e.g. or i.e.? The abbreviation e.g. means ‘for example’ (Latin exempli gratia) and usually introduces a brief list of things or people to illustrate a concept: a computer peripheral, e.g. a printer or a scanner. The abbreviation i.e. means ‘that is’ (Latin id est). It usually introduces a brief amplification or explanation of a concept: a computer peripheral, i.e. a device such as a printer or scanner that is connected up to a computer.