Understanding Latin-based Abbreviations

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We owe a huge debt to Latin.

i.e. — “that is”
e.g. — “for example”
PhD — Doctor of Philosophy
CV — curriculum vitae*
AM — ante meridiem
PM — post meridiem
Etc. — abbreviation for et cetera

*A brief account of a person’s education, qualifications and previous occupation.

n.b. – This is sometimes written at the end of a communication that needs special attention. It stands for nota bene, which means “take notice,” or “note well.

P.S. – At the end of a letter or email, people will often add a P.S. to include an additional comment or thought. It is short for post script, which means “written after.

viz – Another Latin abbreviation you may see is “viz”, which is short for videlicet, meaning “namely.”

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