abbreviation

i.e.

eye-EE

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I.e. (abbreviation) means used before a restatement that explains or defines exactly what has just been said, meaning 'that is' or 'in other words'. Example: “The fee is due at the end of the quarter, i.e. 31 March.”

abbreviation

Used before a restatement that explains or defines exactly what has just been said, meaning 'that is' or 'in other words'.

"The fee is due at the end of the quarter, i.e. 31 March."

"We only accept soft fruit, i.e. berries and currants."

How to use i.e.

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA short way of writing 'that is'.

When to use it

Written English only; say 'that is' or 'in other words' when speaking.

Memory tip

Remember i.e. = 'in essence' and e.g. = 'example given'. The mnemonic is not the real etymology, but it keeps the two apart.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

e.g. → viz. etc. →

Common pairings

i.e. the following i.e. in other words

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Etymology

An abbreviation of Latin id est, meaning 'that is'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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that is namely in other words specifically

Related words

especially particularly generally specifically namely notable specially in other words

Rhymes for i.e.

pie die lie tie sie vie hie brie movie eerie moxie bogie

See all rhymes for i.e. →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between i.e. and e.g.?

I.e. introduces a restatement of the whole thing you just mentioned, so what follows is complete and exact. E.g. introduces one or two examples drawn from a larger set. 'Citrus fruit, i.e. fruit of the genus Citrus' defines the term, while 'citrus fruit, e.g. lemons' merely samples it.

Do you put a comma after i.e.?

American style guides generally ask for a comma after i.e.; British style usually leaves it out. Whichever you choose, apply it consistently through a document.

Should i.e. be written with full stops?

The traditional form is i.e. with a full stop after each letter, and this is still standard in edited prose. Some house styles now print it as ie, particularly in British newspapers.

What is the meaning of i.e.?

"i.e." (abbreviation) means used before a restatement that explains or defines exactly what has just been said, meaning 'that is' or 'in other words'.

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especially particularly generally specifically namely notable specially in other words