Common Latin abbreviations used in English
Introduction:
Welcome to today’s English lesson, where we will explore the fascinating world of Latin abbreviations commonly used in English. These abbreviations have their roots in Latin, often found in formal writing, legal documents, academic papers, and everyday communication, adding a layer of precision and tradition. Understanding these abbreviations, such as “e.g.” (exempli gratia), “i.e.” (id est), “etc.” (et cetera), and “cf.” (confer), will not only enhance your reading comprehension but also help you communicate more effectively and confidently in both written and spoken English. Let’s dive into their meanings, origins, and proper usage to enrich your language skills.
Video Section:
Any Questions?
Section One: Examples
1. **e.g. (exempli gratia)** – For example; used to introduce one or more examples.
*Example:* You should eat more fruits, e.g., apples and oranges. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
2. **i.e. (id est)** – That is; used to clarify or restate in different words.
*Example:* He is a polyglot, i.e., he speaks several languages fluently. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
3. **etc. (et cetera)** – And so on; used to indicate additional similar items.
*Example:* Bring some stationery like pens, pencils, paper, etc. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
4. **N.B. (nota bene)** – Note well; used to emphasize important information.
*Example:* N.B.: The deadline has been moved up to next Monday. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
5. **Q.E.D. (quod erat demonstrandum)** – Which was to be demonstrated; used at the end of a proof or argument.
*Example:* The sum of angles in a triangle is 180°, Q.E.D. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
6. **vs. (versus)** – Against; used to compare or contrast two things.
*Example:* The upcoming match is Team A vs. Team B. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
7. **etc. (et cetera)** – And other similar things; indicates continuation.
*Example:* She bought notebooks, pens, markers, etc. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
8. **cf. (confer)** – Compare; used to refer the reader to another source for comparison.
*Example:* For more details, cf. chapter 3 of the manual. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
9. **ibid. (ibidem)** – In the same place; used in citations to refer to the previous source.
*Example:* Smith, 2020, p. 45; ibid., p. 50. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
10. **et al. (et alii)** – And others; used to refer to multiple authors or contributors.
*Example:* The research was conducted by Johnson et al. (2021). NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
11. **a.m. (ante meridiem)** – Before noon; used in time notation.
*Example:* The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
12. **p.m. (post meridiem)** – After noon; used in time notation.
*Example:* The concert starts at 7 p.m. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF A QUESTION
13. **c/o (care of)** – In care of; used in mailing addresses when sending mail through someone.
*Example:* John Smith, c/o Jane Doe, 123 Main St. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
14. **ibid. (ibidem)** – Same source; used in citations when referencing the same source as immediately before.
*Example:* Johnson, 2020, p. 45; ibid., p. 50. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
15. **Per se** – By itself; intrinsically or essentially.
*Example:* The statement isn’t false per se, but it’s misleading. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
16. **ad hoc** – For this purpose; created for a specific situation.
*Example:* They formed an ad hoc committee to address the issue.
17. **circa (c. or ca.)** – Around or approximately (used with dates).
*Example:* The painting was created circa 1500. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
18. **S.O.S.** – Save Our Souls (or Save Our Ship); used as a distress signal.
*Example:* The boat sent an S.O.S. when it ran into trouble. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
19. **viz. (videlicet)** – Namely; explicitly or specifically.
*Example:* The conference will cover various topics, viz., technology, health, and education. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
20. **ex officio** – By virtue of one’s office; holding a position because of another role.
*Example:* She is an ex officio member of the committee as the department head. NOW GIVE AN EXAMPLE
After each Latin abbreviation the student will give an example of a question using the same and the teacher will reply.