idem

The author's name is marked "idem" in the bibliography.

Definition

Adverb (often abbreviated as id.): - As previously mentioned; the same: Used in citations, references, or formal writing to indicate that the same author, source, or term has been cited again, without repeating the full detail. - Example: The author argues this point in Chapter 3; idem, Chapter 5. (Meaning: the same author, in Chapter 5.)

Noun (rare, often used in scholarly contexts): - The same person or thing: A term referring back to a previously mentioned entity, especially in legal or academic notes. - Example: See Smith, 2020, and idem, 2021. (Meaning: the same author, Smith, in 2021.)

Usage Examples

• As an adverb:

  • The reference is to Plato, Republic 509d; idem, Phaedo 78a. (Meaning: the same author, Plato, in the Phaedo.)
  • In footnote 3, the source is given as "John Locke, Essay, II.ii.1; idem, II.ii.3." (Meaning: the same work by Locke.)

• As a noun:

  • The editor notes that "idem" should be used only when the reference is to the same work or author. (Meaning: the term "idem" itself.)

Advanced Usage

• In academic footnotes: "Idem" is often used to avoid repeating a full citation when the same author or work is cited consecutively. It is typically followed by a page number or section.

  • Example: 1. Aristotle, Metaphysics, 980a. 2. Idem, 982b. (Meaning: the same author, Aristotle, at a different location.)

• In legal documents: "Idem" may appear in case citations or statutes to indicate the same party or precedent.

  • Example: The ruling in Roe v. Wade; idem, Doe v. Bolton. (Meaning: the same court or principle.)

Variants and Related Words

• Idem quod (abbreviated i.q.): Latin for "the same as"; used to equate two terms.

  • Example: The term "happiness" can be understood idem quod "well-being." (Meaning: the same as.)

• Eadem (feminine form): Used when referring to a feminine noun or author.

  • Example: The author, Jane Austen, writes in *Pride and Prejudice; eadem, Emma.*

• Idem (neuter): Used for neuter nouns or in general references.

Synonyms

• Same: identical or unchanged.
• Ditto: the same as previously stated (informal).
• Likewise: in the same way.

Related Idioms (None common in English; "idem" is a Latin borrowing used primarily in formal writing.)

• "Idem per idem": Latin phrase meaning "the same by the same"; used to describe a circular argument or tautology.
  • Example: His explanation was idem per idem, defining a term by itself. (Meaning: the definition was circular.)