Id est

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id est, or i.e. is the abbreviation for the Latin phrase id est, meaning “that is.” This abbreviation is used when you want to specify something mentioned previously; it can be used interchangeably with “specifically” or “namely.” Here are some examples:

“Only one city, i.e., London, has hosted the Summer Olympics three times.”

“Every genetics student learns the two basic methodologies in the field, i.e., forward genetics and reverse genetics.”

This abbreviation is commonly used at the beginning of nonrestrictive elements that are enclosed in either commas or parentheses. Many style guides suggest the use of a comma after i.e. as shown in the above examples.

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