What Does ‘Ibid’ Stand For?
The term ‘ibid’ is actually an abbreviation for the Latin word ‘ibidem’, which translates to ‘in the same place’. In scholarly writing, ‘ibid’ is used as a shorthand way to refer to a source that was cited in the immediately preceding footnote or endnote.
How is ‘Ibid’ Used in Academic Writing?
When a source is cited in a footnote or endnote and the same source is cited again immediately following, instead of repeating the full citation, the term ‘ibid’ is used to indicate that the reference is the same as the one directly above it. This practice helps to streamline the presentation of citations and avoid unnecessary repetition.
Examples of ‘Ibid’ Usage
- John Smith, The Art of Writing (New York: Academic Press, 2010), 25.
- Ibid.
- Smith, The Art of Writing, 45.
In the example above, the first citation refers to a specific page in a book by John Smith. The following citation uses the term ‘ibid’ to indicate that the reference is the same as the one above it. The subsequent citation provides the specific page number for the second reference.
Knowing the meaning and correct usage of ‘ibid’ can help improve the clarity and professionalism of your academic writing. By understanding how to use this abbreviation appropriately, you can effectively reference sources and maintain a consistent and polished writing style in your research papers and articles.
Next time you encounter ‘ibid’ in a footnote or endnote, you’ll have a better understanding of its significance and how it contributes to the overall credibility of the scholarly work.