Part of Speech

Adverb

Pronunciation

/ˈɪbɪdɛm/

Definitions

• Used in citations to refer to the same source or reference as the one previously mentioned.
• In scholarly writing, used to indicate that the source cited is identical to the one immediately preceding it.

Usage Examples

• Johnson argues that the policy is beneficial (Ibidem, 2021).
• The report concludes with a similar finding (Ibidem, p. 120).

Etymology

From the Latin word "ibidem," meaning "in the same place." It has been used for centuries in scholarly writing to avoid repetitive citations.

Synonyms

• Same source
• Op. cit. (used in some citation systems)

Antonyms

• Different source
• New reference

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "Ibidem" is pronounced with a slightly softer "i" sound, while American English may emphasize the "i" slightly more.
• In scholarly and legal contexts, the pronunciation is typically formal and adheres closely to the Latin pronunciation.

Historical Usage

The use of "ibidem" dates back to early scholarly works, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries when citation systems began to take shape. It was employed to avoid redundant repetition of full bibliographic information, streamlining academic texts and making citations more concise. Over time, it became an essential part of scholarly citation practices, especially in historical, legal, and philosophical writing.

Cultural Nuances

While "ibidem" is most common in academic writing, it is used primarily in more formal citation systems such as the Chicago Manual of Style or MLA format. In some languages and regions, its usage may be more ingrained, especially in legal or academic contexts. However, modern citation practices, particularly those in fields like social sciences, have moved towards other methods like short citations and author-date formats, leading to a gradual decline in the use of "ibidem." Nonetheless, it remains an important aspect of scholarly tradition.

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