e.g.
E.g. is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase exempli gratia, meaning “for example.” It is used to introduce one or more examples illustrating a point.
In legal writing, e.g. is also recognized as a citation signal. When used in this way, it indicates that the source cited is one of several authorities supporting the stated proposition.
E.g. should not be confused with i.e., which is short for the Latin phrase id est, meaning “that is.” While e.g. introduces illustrative examples, i.e. clarifies or restates a term or phrase.
[Last reviewed in August of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
Wex