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by gondola on January 27th, 2006
Id Est
Directly translated, it means "It is" or "That is".
Generally, it's used to mean "That is to say" or "for example".
However, "for example" is not the correct translation. It is commonly misused/misinterpreted, possibly being thought of as "in example". "For example" should be used as "e.g." (exempli gratia).
From wikipedia:
id est (i.e.) "it is" "That is (to say)", or sometimes "in this case", depending on the context. Never equivalent to exempli gratia (e.g.).[1]
Id est, i.e., "that is", is commonly abbreviated "i.e.".
by Anonymous on June 2nd, 2007
example
by nextcooper on May 14th, 2007
what language is it?
by Grammy Robin on June 2nd, 2007
I always thought it meant "in example".
by STONEY on April 5th, 2008
Iyou use i. e. in this maner ho would you take what it means?
i. e.remove plate from water, dry plate
Do i. e. mean to do this in order?
by king of ellipses on April 5th, 2008
Abbreviation of Latin id est, that is.
i.e.
An abbreviation for id est, a Latin phrase meaning “that is.†It indicates that an explanation or paraphrase is about to follow: “Many workers expect to put in a forty-hour week — i.e., to work eight hours a day.†(Compare e.g.)
The adverb i.e. has one meaning:
Meaning #1: that is to say; in other words
Synonyms: ie, id est, that is
by Thriftymaid on January 20th, 2011
"I.e." stands simply for "that is," which written out fully in Latin is 'id est'. "I.e." is used in place of "in other words," or "it/that is." It specifies or makes more clear.
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/abbreviations/f/ievseg.htm
by Aristocles on June 2nd, 2007
It means "that is," not "for example" as it is commonly thought (that would be eg).
Examples:
Clinton was impeached, unlike a certain other President earlier in the century (ie, Richard Nixon).
Make a sauce hearty by adding vegetables (eg, carrots or celery).
by Mind.Freakin on January 20th, 2011
i.e = It is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase id est "that is". Either can be used to clarify a preceding statement, the first by example, the second by restating the idea more clearly or expanding upon it. It also can be described that if you just stick with good old English “for example” and “that is” you won’t give anyone a chance to sneer at you. If you insist on using the abbreviation, perhaps “example given” will remind you to use “e.g.,” while “in effect” suggests “I.E.”
by gloriaeffiong2002@yahoo.com on June 28th, 2010
in register what does abbreivation really means
by cycledude28 on February 7th, 2010
I have wondered this question for a while and have asked university professors. the most popular answer is "i.e." means "in essence".
Sorry not latin. I asked that specific question and they all said no.
by cycledude28 on February 7th, 2010
by Rowaida_E on November 25th, 2010
What does the abbreviation "i.e." mean?
by Rowaida_E on November 25th, 2010
What does the abbreviation "i.e." mean?
by Polyethylene on November 25th, 2010
Id est, meaning "that is" in latin.
by Baiguk on November 25th, 2010
ie = id est = that is = that is to say = in other words
eg = for example
However short, long, simple or complex, whatever precedes and follows ie must be exactly equal in meaning.
Whatever follows eg must be a subset: Citrus fruit eg lemons.
by igotasweetass on February 3rd, 2010
Latin:
id est (i.e.) that is "That is (to say)" in the sense of "that means" and "which means", or "in other words", or sometimes "in this case", depending on the context; may be followed by a comma, or not, depending on style (American English and British English respectively). It is often misinterpreted as "in example". In this situation, e.g. should be used instead.
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Comments
Very good I never new that
by Namaste formerly future_health_educator on January 27th, 2006
Don't forget to mention that it's from Latin.
by Grandma Roses - my avatar is my real dog on January 27th, 2006
glad to see you point out, so clearly, the difference between i.e. and e.g.
by LynfromNM on January 27th, 2006
i thought i understood it before i read this!
by zee-ster on May 14th, 2007
Excellent answer :)
by Anonymous on June 2nd, 2007
gondola: Ahh, you beat me to it!
by Aristocles on June 2nd, 2007
aristocles: perhaps you could explain it in a manner that would make more sense to ME then? i know how to correctly use "e.g.", but now i only know how NOT to use "i.e.". thanks in advance (since ABers seem so helpful)!
by zee-ster on June 4th, 2007
You use ie to illustrate a point - eg "a point has been made, ie (that is) the debate has been won".
by Anonymous on June 5th, 2007
m'kay. :)
by zee-ster on June 5th, 2007
IE means "that is (to say)..." or "in other words..."
by Aristocles on June 9th, 2007
thanks! i finally get it now... i think i may have known the difference at one time, but forgot in my "old age" LOL
by zee-ster on June 11th, 2007