It’s guaranteed that you have or will run into some of these Latin terms in anything including the lightest reading. That’s because they’re everywhere. In newspapers, textbooks, manuals, et cetera. They are used in, inter alia, academic writing, text messaging, and, quite extensively, law documents. So, they are, ipso facto, very important to know. Ergo, we thought it’s a good idea to combine these Latin words and phrases in one place and explain what they mean so that when you run into some of them next time, you go like, ha! I have seen this word somewhere and I know what it means. So, let’s get down to it.
1. a priori
A belief or conclusion based on assumptions or reasoning of some sort rather than actual experience or empirical evidence. Before actually encountering, experiencing, or observing a fact.
2. a posteriori.
A fact, belief, or argument that is based on actual experience, experiment, or observation. After the fact.
3. ad astra.
To the stars.
4. ad hoc.
For a particular situation, without planning or consideration of some broader purpose or application.
5. ad hominem.
Directed to a particular person rather than generally, such as an attack on a person rather than a position they are espousing.
6. ad infinitum.
Repeat forever.
7. ad lib
Short for ad libitum. As you desire, at one’s pleasure. To speak or perform without preparation.
8. ad nauseam.
Repetition that has become annoying or tiresome.
9. affidavit.
He has sworn. Sworn statement.
10. alma mater.
Nourishing, kind, bounteous mother. School from which one graduated.
11. alias.
Also known as. Otherwise known as. Less commonly as the proper meaning of at another time, otherwise.
12. alibi.
In another place. Elsewhere. Reason one couldn’t have been in a location where an act was committed.
13. alter ego.
Other self. Another side of oneself.
14. A.D.
short for anno Domini. In the year of our Lord. Number of years since the birth of Jesus Christ.
15. a.m.
Short for ante meridiem. Before midday (noon.) Morning.
16. animus.
Spirit, mind, courage anger. Animosity. Intense opposition and ill will towards something, somebody, or some social group, commonly emotional, passionate, and mean-spirited. Hatred.
17. ante.
Before. Earlier. In a Supreme Court opinion, ante refers to an earlier page of the same opinion.
18. ante bellum.
Before the war.
19. ante mortem.
Before death.
20. bona fide.
Genuine. Real. With no intention to deceive.
21. c. / ca. / or cca.
Short for circa. Around. About. Approximately. Relative to a certain year.
22. carpe diem.
Seize the day or moment. Make the best of the present rather than delay or focus on the future.
23. caveat.
Warning, caution, disclaimer, or stipulation.
24. cf.
Short for confer. Compare to. In reference to, as a comparison.
25. cogito ergo sum.
I think, therefore I am — Descartes.
26. consensus.
Agreement. General or widespread agreement.
27. corpus.
Body, especially of written or textual matter such as books and papers.
28. curriculum.
Race. Course of a race. Path of a race. Subjects comprising a course of academic study.
29. CV
Short for curriculum vitae. The course of one’s life. Resume. List of significant academic and professional accomplishments, achievements, awards, education, and training.
30. de facto.
True or matter of fact as it is, regardless of intent, good reason, authority, or official reason for being such.
31. dictum.
Something said. Noteworthy, authoritative statement or principle. Common wisdom.
32. doctor.
Teacher. Learned person. Doctor.
33. ergo.
Therefore.
34. et al.
Short for et alia (neuter plural) or et alii (masculine plural) or et aliae (feminine plural). And others. And all of the others.
35. etc.
Short for et cetera.
36. e pluribus unum.
— Out of many, one — U.S. motto.
37. ex post.
After.
38. ex post facto.
After the fact.
39. e.g.
Short for exempli gratia. For the sake of example. For example.
40. ibid.
Short for ibidem or ib idem. In the same place. For a citation, indicates that it is from the same place as the preceding citation.
41. id.
short for idem. From the same source. For a citation, indicates that it is from the same source, but not from the same location in that source. In contrast to ibidem (ibid.) which means the same location or place in the same source as the preceding citation.
42. i.e.
Short for id est. That is. In other words.
43. in absentia.
Conducted in the absence of.
44. in camera.
In chambers. In private, commonly for legal proceedings, in the judge’s office (chambers.) before digital photography cameras were little “chambers.”
45. in situ.
In position. In place.
46. in toto.
As a whole. Entirely. All of it.
47. incognito.
Unknown. With one’s identity concealed. This is actually an Italian word, derived from the Latin word incognitus.
48. inter alia.
Among others. Among other things.
49. innuendo.
By nodding. Implied. Indirectly implied. Suggested. Oblique allusion.
50. intra.
Within. In a Supreme Court opinion, refers to a decision of another court, typically an appeals court.
51. ipso facto.
By that very fact or act. Therefore.
51. lingua franca.
Common language in a multi-language environment. Technically, it’s Italian.
52. magnum opus.
Great work. Greatest work. Masterpiece.
53. M.O.
short for modus operandi. Mode or method of operation. How you do things.
54. n.b. or N.B.
short for nota bene. Note well. It is worth noting that.
55. per capita.
Per person, for each person, of a population. Individually, but not for any particular person.
56. per cent.
or percent short for per centum. For each one hundred.
57. per se.
By itself. Intrinsically. Specifically.
58. p.m. / PM
short for post meridiem. After midday (noon.) Afternoon.
59. post.
After. Later. In a Supreme Court opinion, post refers to a later page of the same opinion.
60. post mortem.
After death.
61. prima facie.
On its face. Accepted on its face. Accepted as true based on initial impression. Accepted as true unless proven false.
62. PS.
short for post scriptum. Written after. After what has been written. In addition to what has been written. In addition.
63. quasi.
As if. As though. Resembling. Similar but not quite exactly the same. Having many but not all the features of.
64. quid pro quo.
This for that. An exchange of goods or services. A barter transaction. Any contractual transaction.
65. sic
or [sic]. So, this. The previous word should be taken literally even if it is not correct or appropriate.
66. stat.
or stat short for statim. Immediately. Now. without delay.
67. status quo.
The existing state of affairs. As it is. As things are.
68. stricto sensu
or sensu stricto. In a narrow, tight, or strict sense. Strictly speaking.
69. sui generis.
Of its own kind. Unique. Outside of existing categories. In law, outside of existing law.
70. supra.
Above. From the previous cited source.
71. tabula rasa.
Clean slate. Blank slate. Absence of any preconceived notions, ideas, goals, or purpose.
72. veni, vidi, vici.
I came, I saw, I conquered.
73. verbatim.
The same exact words. Literally.
74. vs.
short for versus. Against. In opposition to. As opposed to. In contrast to.
75. veto.
I forbid. Reject.
76. vice versa.
As well as the two immediately preceding subjects of a statement reversed. The same either way. The other way around.
77. viz.
short for videre licet or videlicet. Namely. That is.
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What Is the Abbreviation?
There is one common abbreviation for the word example, derived from the Latin words exempli gratia:
- e.g.
Example
Noun
In English, the abbreviation e.g. would be used to replace the phrase “for example.”
It’s one of the most commonly used abbreviations, and is often confused with Latin phrase id est (i.e.), which means “in other words.” The phrase id est may also mean “that is.”
The abbreviation is used to introduce examples of something mentioned previously.
For instance:
That was a classic case of theft. The thieves carried away all the electronics, e.g., radios, phones, and laptops.
It can be used interchangeably with “for example” and “such as.”
For instance:
There is a widespread belief that junk food causes lifestyle diseases, e.g., heart failure and obesity.
This abbreviation can be used in informal documents and headlines. It’s used in high-speed writing instead of the whole phrase. Remember to include the periods after both e and g.
It’s more appropriate to write “for example” in formal communications.
For instance:
The doctor brought with him some official documents, for example, notes, prescriptions, and articles.
Capitalize the first letter of Latin term when it appears at the beginning of a sentence.
E.g. is written with a comma before and after, when it appears mid-sentence.
For instance:
The child had various items in his rucksack, e.g., books, a water bottle, a ruler, and an eraser.
It’s not appropriate to add et cetera (etc.) at the end of a list with e.g.
Incorrect: When shopping for Christmas, remember to buy gifts, e.g., chocolate, cards, flowers, etc.
What Is the Meaning of the Word?
There are various definitions of the word example. According to Dictionary.com, the word means:
noun
1. one of a number of things, or a part of something, taken to show the character of the whole:
2. a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided:
3. an instance serving for illustration; specimen:
4. an instance illustrating a rule or method, as a mathematical problem proposed for solution.
5. an instance, especially of punishment, serving as a warning to others:
6. a precedent; parallel case:
verb (used with object), ex·am·pled, ex·am·pling.
1. Rare. to give or be an example of;
The History and Origin of the Word
Example first appeared as an English word in the late 14th century. It was a re-Latinization of the earlier English word essample, which came to English by way of the Old French essemple, “sample, model, example.” The new spelling brought the word closer to the original Latin spelling of exemplum.
The use of lowercase e.g. as the abbreviated form of the Latin phrase exempli gratia dates back to the 1680’s. The Latin abbreviation was used in place of the phrase, “for the sake of example.”
Synonyms for Example
- case
- exemplar
- exemplification
- illustration
- instance
- prototype
- representative
- sample
- specimen
- model
Examples of the Word and Abbreviation in Context
“Take, by way of example, Thomas Edison. The famed American inventor rose to prominence in the late 19th century because of his successes, yes, but even he felt that these successes were the result of his many failures.”
—InternationalStudent.com
“For example, businesses that took on too much risk could receive taxpayer-funded bailouts.”
—The Balance
“When you get in those types of situations that he was in, you have to make some difficult choices, and I think he made the right one,’ Earnhardt told reporters on Wednesday at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. ‘I feel like that a lot of people can learn from that. I think he set an amazing example for a lot of young folks to follow.”
—ESPN
“For example, high self-control might prevent employees from fully enjoying positive career outcomes, such as promotions, raises, and outstanding performance appraisals.”
—Harvard Business Review
“The top five risks by likelihood over the next 10 years include: extreme weather events (e.g. floods, storms, etc.); failure of climate change mitigation and adaptation; major natural disasters (e.g. earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption, geomagnetic storms); major biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse; and human-made environmental damage and disasters.”
—SDG Knowledge Hub
Sources:
- https://brians.wsu.edu/2016/05/25/e-g-i-e/
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/example
- https://www.dictionary.com/browse/example?s=t
- https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=example&source=ds_search
- https://www.etymonline.com/word/e.g.#etymonline_v_32102
- https://sdg.iisd.org/news/environmental-hazards-feature-in-2020-global-risk-report/
- https://hbr.org/2020/01/the-dark-side-of-self-control
- https://www.espn.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/33233/dale-earnhardt-jr-luke-kuechly-set-amazing-example-with-decision
- https://www.thebalance.com/mixed-economy-definition-pros-cons-examples-3305594
- https://www.internationalstudent.com/essay_writing/essay_tips/
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do’s and don’ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
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#1
What’s the difference between «For example» and «For instance»?
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#2
very little, for example and for instance mean the same thing.
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#3
si, yo diria que son casi sinónimos, por ahí se usa más for instance en ciertos contextos coloquiales creo, pero es lo mismo.
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#4
Henrik Larsson said:
What’s the difference between «For example» and «For instance»?
There’s no difference. «For example» can be shortened to the Latin e.g.. That’s all I know for the time being.
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#5
Henrik Larsson said:
What’s the difference between «For example» and «For instance»?
I would say that there is a slight difference in the use of the two. In written form, I would use «For example». If you read this board, I think you will see for example when someone lists you examples of grammar or whatever. If you are speaking to someone and you want to describe a situation that will explain what you mean, you would say «For instance».
«I wish they would put in more stoplights at the big intersections. For instance, the one at Brandon and Kerr is really dangerous.»
Of course you could say «for example» in that example and it would be fine but I believe that for instance would be used in speech and for example is used in written form, especially in formal papers.
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#6
In my thesaurus, «for example» is listed as a synonym of «for instance» and vice versa so any difference there may be is too small to worry about. If you take away the «for», you might be able to dig away and find a subtle difference though.
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#7
Artrella said:
There’s no difference. «For example» can be shortened to the Latin e.g.. That’s all I know for the time being.
Hi Art, excuse my ignorance but I always thought that e.g. stands for example given. Could you please tell me the full Latin words for it?
Thanks in advance.
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#9
sastrem92 said:
Hi Art, excuse my ignorance but I always thought that e.g. stands for example given. Could you please tell me the full Latin words for it?
Thanks in advance.
![:cool:]( "Cool :cool:")
Sastrem, it means exempli gratia.
Bye Art
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#10
I know this thread was closed quite long ago but I was wondering about the differences between ‘e.g.’ and ‘i.e.’ when refering an example.
Thanks
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#12
I would have to argue that there is a noticeable difference between «For Instance» and «For Example.» «For Instance» implies more spontaneity, as a previous poster observed in her speech vs. written word argument. If you were to write a more hypothetical statement after the clause, it would probably be more suitable to use «For Instance» anterior. «For example» seems more appropriate for introducing a scientific or anecdotal independent clause.
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#13
Welcome to the forum, Tofergo.
To me, «for example» is more concrete, «for instance» more hypothetical. So I would more likely say «for instance» with «if I were …» and «for example» with «the times when I …». «For example» is also my choice before a concrete noun or list of nouns.
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#14
Bueno como dicen arriba, evidentemente si hay diferencia entre los dos términos, ya que aunque dos palabras sean sinónimas no quiere decir que la idea que expresen o su significado sea el mismo al 100%. Solo en algunos contextos y con ciertos matices una palabra se puede usar en vez de otra. Hay pocas palabras que realmente signifiquen enteramente lo mismo.
Para que os hagáis una idea «for instance» viene a ser:»en este caso», donde según el contexto en que se utilice podría ser igual que por ejemplo. Pero si hay una diferencia real, pues «for instance» es mas específico y siempre debe ser relativo a un tema tratado o mencionado anteriormente por el hablante.
Lo siento por no responder en inglés pero aun estoy aprendiendo y no me sabría expresar del mismo modo.
«i promise to speak in english in future participations»
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#15
Literalmente, an example es un ejemplar, algo que sirve como un caso particular de lo mencionado, y an instance es una vez en que ocurre lo mencionado o una situación que lo explica.
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#16
En efecto, totalmente de acuerdo contigo, lo se porque lo utilizo todos los dias en informatica , en donde se usa con el significado de «instancia» , «ejemplar» como bien has dicho. Yo creo que el tema ya esta aclarado, solo era recalcar que siempre hay un matiz que diferencia el que haya tal variedad de vocabulario en una lengua. Se sabe que los «esquimales» tienen un sinfin de adjetivos para designar la textura y el color de la nieve aunque a nosotros nos venga a la cabeza «nieve blanca»
un saludo y gracias por los aportes de esta fantastica web. Cada dia aprendo y me enriquezco mas. Solo decir que a veces la fonetica britanico-inglesa no se corresponde con el audio britanico-ingles.
the next time,i’ll try to explain part of my speech in english.
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#17
A native English teacher told me «for instance» was a bit formal to be repeated in speech. After reading your posts I guess he was wrong. I wonder why.
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#18
Literalmente, an example es un ejemplar, algo que sirve como un caso particular de lo mencionado, y an instance es una vez en que ocurre lo mencionado o una situación que lo explica.
Could anybody clarify if «For example» and «For instance» mean the same?
I have a an acquaintance of mine who was born in Canada and told me that they’re exactly the same and totally interchangeable
Last edited: Sep 28, 2011
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#19
Could anybody clarify if «For example» and «For instance» mean the same? I have a an acquaintance of mine who was born in Canada and told me that they’re exactly the same and totally interchangeable
![:confused:]( "Confused :confused:")
Hector9, from the perspective of AE, I agree with your friend. The only differences I perceive between the two phrases are ones of style and personal preference. Espero que te sirva, y saludos.
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#20
Hector9, from the perspective of AE, I agree with your friend. The only differences I perceive between the two phrases are ones of style and personal preference. Espero que te sirva, y saludos.
Thank you very much for your answer Spug.
Nine “For Example” Alternatives
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LanguageTool
“For example” is a phrase you might often use in your writing. Below, we’ll share nine formal and informal alternatives that you can use instead.
- For example is a phrase used “to introduce something chosen as a typical case” or “introduce something that proves something is true.”
- For example can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
- Two alternatives of for example are: for instance and e.g.
- ○ My dog, Oso, is learning many new tricks. For example, he can sit, stay, and lie down.
“For Example” Definition and Placement
For example is a phrase often found in essays, articles, and many other types of texts. It’s used to introduce or emphasize something that supports what you’re writing about. This phrase can be found in the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Many movies were adapted from books. For example, The Wizard of Oz was a popular novel before it hit the big screen.
Many movies were adapted from books. The Wizard of Oz, for example, was a popular novel before it hit the big screen.
Many movies were adapted from books—The Wizard of Oz was a popular novel before it hit the big screen, for example.
When at the beginning of a sentence, for example should be followed by a comma. In the middle of a sentence, a comma should be placed before and after. And when for example is at the end of a sentence, a comma is only needed before.
When you’re writing, you may find yourself using this phrase often. If you’re looking for alternatives, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’re going to give you nine alternatives and let you know if they’re better suited for formal or casual writing.
Nine Alternatives for “For Example”
Not every alternative can be used exactly like for example. Because of that, it’s important to keep in mind that using some of the alternatives listed below might require restructuring the sentence a bit. We’ll show you how to do this with the examples.
1. For instance
For instance is a near-identical synonym to for example. This phrase is used to introduce an example that helps illustrate your point. It’s used the same way as for example.
There are many things I like about hiking. For example, the exercise plus the views I encounter keep me coming back!
↓
There are many things I like about hiking. For instance, the exercise plus the views I encounter keep me coming back!
Best for: More often seen in formal writing, but can also be used in informal writing.
2. Namely
Namely helps present a specific example.
Your work has been extremely beneficial to this company. For example, your sales have brought in record profits.
↓
Your work has been extremely beneficial to this company, namely your sales that have brought in record profits.
Best for: Formal writing
3. To give you an idea
To give you an idea helps your readers visualize and conceptualize the point you are trying to make.
The brain is extremely powerful. For example, some studies have shown that visualization can indeed help you reach your goals.
↓
The brain is extremely powerful. To give you an idea, some studies have shown that visualization can indeed help you reach your goals..
Best for: Mostly used in informal writing, but can sometimes be used in formal writing.
4. By way of illustration
This phrase is typically found in professional and academic settings. If you like this option, but want something more concise, you can try to illustrate instead.
Many inventions changed the course of human history. For example, the printing press allowed for the rapid and widespread circulation of knowledge and news.
↓
Many inventions changed the course of human history. By way of illustration, the printing press allowed for the rapid and widespread circulation of knowledge and news.
Best for: Formal writing
5. In particular
In particular helps point out a specific example. This phrase can be at the beginning of a sentence (with a comma after) or at the end of a sentence (with no comma preceding it).
There are many things I enjoyed when I traveled to Italy. For example, I loved trying various kinds of pasta.
↓
There are many things I enjoyed when I traveled to Italy. In particular, I loved trying the various kinds of pasta.
or
There are many things I enjoyed when I traveled to Italy. I loved trying the various kinds of pasta in particular.
Best for: Formal and informal writing
6. Examples include
This phrase is similar to for example except that it makes it clear you are introducing multiple examples. Examples include is always found at the beginning of a sentence.
Some animals mate for life—beavers, gray wolves, and bald eagles, for example.
↓
Some animals mate for life. Examples include beavers, gray wolves, and bald eagles.
Best for: Formal and informal writing
7. E.g.
This abbreviation comes from Latin and means “exempli gratia,” which means “for the sake of the example.” The abbreviation e.g. is always separated by commas or parentheses and is always lowercase. If you’re putting it within parentheses, the abbreviation must still be followed by a comma.
Some dogs are considered hypoallergenic. Take Poodles, for example.
↓
Some dogs are considered hypoallergenic, e.g., Poodles.
or
Some dogs are considered hypoallergenic (e.g., Poodles).
Best for: Formal writing
8. Such as
Such as is another alternative that helps illustrate or emphasize a certain point.
Disney has many classic movies—Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King, for example.
↓
Disney has many classic movies such as Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King.
Best for: Informal writing
9. Case in point
This alternative is perfect for professional and academic settings. There are two ways it could be used:
Countless people go undiagnosed for years. For example, William was diagnosed 15 years after his symptoms first appeared.
↓
Countless people go undiagnosed for years. Case in point: William was diagnosed 15 years after his symptoms first appeared.
or
Countless people go undiagnosed for years. A case in point is William, who was diagnosed 15 years after his symptoms first appeared.
Best for: Formal writing
Don’t Forget About Proper Spelling and Grammar
For example and other alternatives like it help enhance the flow of your text. They serve as a marker that informs your readers that what you write next helps prove or support your message.
Another important factor to consider when writing is spelling and grammar. Typos and mistakes can discredit you as a writer. To avoid this, try using LanguageTool as your writing assistant. This multilingual text editor checks your text as you write and works with several programs. Try it for free today.
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