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what is the meaning of i.e and e.g.?
46 Answers
- jibba.jabbaLv 51 decade agoFavorite Answer
i.e. means "that is"
it's from the latin "id est"
I like to eat vegetables (i.e. I enjoy their taste)
e.g. means "for example"
it's from the latin "exempli gratia"
I like to eat vegetables (e.g. carrots and broccoli)
- 4 years ago
I never looked up the latin phrases (clearly failed to are aware of it was latin abbreviations for years) and i always notion ot e.g. as example given, and i.e. as in example. looks like i was pretty near.
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- LeoLv 41 decade ago
When you mean “for example,” use e.g. It is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase exempli gratia. When you mean “that is,” use “i.e.” It is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase id est. 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. Because these uses are so similar, the two abbreviations are easily confused. 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.”
Since e.g. indicates a partial list, it is redundant to add “etc.” at the end of a list introduced by this abbreviation.
- 7 years ago
I never looked up the latin words (actually didn't know it was latin abbreviations for years) and I always thought ot e.g. as example given, and i.e. as in example. Looks like I was pretty close.