id est
[ˈɪ.dɛst]
The Latin phrase for 'that is' is id est.
The phrase is used as an adverb to mean 'in other words'.
Meaning: in other words (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the neuter pronoun id (meaning 'it' or 'that') and the third-person singular present indicative of the verb esse (meaning 'to be'), literally translating to 'it is'.
Did you know?
- While est in id est means 'is', the same word in Latin can also be a form of a verb meaning 'to eat'.
- In modern English, the abbreviation for id est is 'i.e.', which many people mistakenly believe stands for 'in essence' or 'is equivalent'.
- In legal or scientific Latin, id est is often used to provide a precise definition for a term that might be ambiguous in common speech.
Examples in context
- Id est satis mihi.That is enough for me.This sentence shows the phrase used to mean 'that is enough'.Tatoeba #7308268 by jimkillock, translation #7308269 by jimkillock
- "Id est satis mihi." "Sed quando reddes?""That is enough for me." "But when will you give it me back?"This example shows a dialogue using the phrase.Tatoeba #7360490 by carlosalberto, translation #7363399 by jimkillock
- Utrum esse an non esse: id est decidendum.To be or not to be, that is the question.This sentence shows the phrase used in the famous expression 'to be or not to be'.Tatoeba #5215063 by carlosalberto, translation #432459 by Edouard
- The Roman Empire included various provinces, id est, Britannia, Hispania, and Aegyptus.The Roman Empire included various provinces, that is, Britannia, Hispania, and Aegyptus.
- The Colosseum is a prime example of Roman architecture, hoc est, an elliptical amphitheater.The Colosseum is a prime example of Roman architecture, this is, an elliptical amphitheater.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Claudia and Quintus are discussing a difficult academic text.
- ClaudiaHoc opus est difficile, id est, obscurum.This work is difficult, that is, obscure.
- QuintusIta, Claudia, non omnia intellego.Yes, Claudia, I do not understand everything.
- ClaudiaLegamus iterum, id est, lente legamus.Let us read again, that is, let us read slowly.
- QuintusOptime, Quintus te iuvat.Excellent, Quintus helps you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry id est, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries est, id, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
