IE

¹

abbreviation

1. Indo-European.

-ie

²

Also -y

1. The noun-forming suffix -ie, originally the Scottish spelling of -y, first appears about 1400 in pet names and has spread into general usage. It is used to form words that are usually informal (birdie, doggie ), and to form endearing or familiar names (Millie, Susie ) or familiar diminutives (sweetie ).

i.e.

³

[ahy-ee]

abbreviation

1. that is; that is to say; in other words.

   They spent their last day at camp enjoying their two favorite activities, i.e., swimming and ziplining.

   Our writers do a lot of research to avoid anachronisms—i.e., those errors that confuse the times of our stories with later times in history.

I.E.

⁴

abbreviation

1. Indo-European.

2. Industrial Engineer.

IE

¹

abbreviation

1. Indo-European (languages)

-ie

²

suffix

1. a variant of -y 2

i.e.

³

abbreviation

1. id est

ie

⁴

abbreviation

1. Ireland

i.e.

1. An abbreviation for id est, a Latin phrase meaning “that is.” It indicates that an explanation or paraphrase is about to follow: “Many workers expect to put in a forty-hour week — i.e., to work eight hours a day.” (Compare e.g.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of i.e.¹

From Latin id est

Word History and Origins

Origin of i.e.¹

Latin: that is (to say); in other words

Example Sentences

It's about as coherent as any pop concert narrative - ie not very - but Gaga's visceral commitment makes it soar.

From BBC

If the test is negative for the Y chromosome - ie it is absent - the athlete is eligible to compete in the female category.

From BBC

Alpine is one idea that is doing the rounds, although they have just signed Steve Nielsen as managing director - ie, de facto team principal - to start work in September.

From BBC

The new rear suspension is aimed at increasing anti-lift - ie, keeping the aerodynamic platform more stable, to keep rear downforce more consistent, and rear grip higher.

From BBC

To be entitled to be given space - ie, to have been judged to have won the corner - the driver overtaking on the inside has to have his front axle "at least alongside the mirror of the other car prior to and at the apex".

From BBC

Related Words

• especially 
• expressly 
• namely 

When To Use

What’s the difference between i.e. and e.g.?

The abbreviation i.e. essentially means that is or in other words—you say it before rephrasing what you’ve just said, often to put it in simpler terms. The abbreviation e.g. essentially means for example—you say it before providing an example of the thing you’ve just mentioned.Both are abbreviations of Latin phrases: i.e. stands for the Latin id est (which literally means “that is”); e.g. stands for exemplī grātiā (which literally means “for the sake of example”). Both are pronounced by saying the two individual letters in the term.Both are commonly used in writing, but i.e. is much more commonly used in speech—most people don’t often say e.g. when speaking (probably because the phrase for example is so common and well understood).Sometimes, people use them in overlapping ways, but this is technically incorrect, since i.e. is meant to indicate a rephrasing, while e.g. is meant to signal that a specific example is going to be given. Of course, both of these things involve an attempt to make what has just been said a little clearer (by clarifying or specifying), so it can be hard to remember when each one is appropriate.To help remember when to use each one, think of the i in i.e. as standing for in other words. Think of the e in e.g. as standing for example (which it pretty much does).Here’s an example of i.e. and e.g. used correctly in the same sentence.Example: The second sewing lesson (i.e., the one starting next week) will cover several different skills (e.g., sewing on a button and sewing a seam).Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between i.e. and e.g.