ie

Everyday

1. (abbreviation) i.e. is short for the Latin id est, meaning that is or in other words; it explains more exactly what was just said. tree →
2. (abbreviation, computing) .ie is the internet ending for websites from Ireland. tree →
3. (spelling) ie is a common pair of letters in English words, as in the rule i before e except after c. tree →

In the lessons

In writing and textbooks, i.e. adds a clearer explanation: the largest planet, i.e. Jupiter. In spelling lessons, children learn i before e except after c (believe, receive), though there are many exceptions (weird, science). Irish websites end in .ie.

Examples

• Bring something to write with, i.e. a pen or pencil. tree →
• We meet on the last day of term, i.e. Friday. tree →
• Mammals are warm-blooded, i.e. they keep a steady body heat. tree →
• The website ends in .ie, so it's from Ireland. tree →
• Believe and field follow the ie rule. tree →
• Science and weird break the i before e rule. tree →

Note

Usually written with dots: i.e. Trap: i.e. (that is, exactly this) is different from e.g. (for example, one of many). After i.e. you give the full or exact meaning; after e.g. you give examples. It is not an English word on its own.