Item vs. Idem: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 20, 2024
"Item" refers to an individual article or unit, while "idem" is a Latin term meaning "the same," used to avoid repetition in documents.
Key Differences
"Item" is commonly used to refer to a single article or unit within a list or collection. For example, in a grocery list, each entry is considered an item. This term is frequently used in various contexts to specify individual elements within a group. "Idem," on the other hand, is a Latin word meaning "the same." It is often used in legal and scholarly documents to indicate that the information or reference is the same as previously mentioned. This helps to avoid redundancy and maintain brevity in texts.
In a business context, an "item" might refer to a product listed in inventory, whereas "idem" might be used in meeting minutes or legal documents to refer to a previously mentioned statement or reference.
In writing and documentation, "item" provides a way to enumerate and detail separate points or articles, while "idem" serves as a shorthand to avoid repetition when referring to something already stated.
While "item" is a common term in everyday language and various professional fields, "idem" is more specialized and primarily used in formal or academic writing to enhance clarity and efficiency.
Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual article or unit
The same (Latin term used to indicate repetition)
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Usage
Common in lists, inventories, and general contexts
Used in legal and academic documents
Language Origin
Middle English, from Latin
Latin
Context
Everyday language, business, inventory
Formal, legal, scholarly documentation
Purpose
To specify individual elements
To avoid redundancy
Item and Idem Definitions
Item
A piece of news or information.
Did you see the latest item in the news?
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Idem
The same as previously mentioned.
The author repeated his previous arguments, idem.
Item
A single article or unit in a collection, enumeration, or series.
Idem
Refers to the same person or thing.
The contract was signed by John Doe; idem for the annexes.
Item
A romantically involved couple
"[They] soon began seeing each other ... and were an item for a year and a half." (Peter J. Boyer).
Idem
Used to avoid repetition in documents.
The court's decision was influenced by Smith v. Jones, idem.
Item
A product or piece of merchandise.
This store sells many unique items.
Idem
Denotes the same source in citations.
The article cited several works by the same author, idem.
Item
An entry in a database or record.
Please update each item in the inventory.
Idem
Indicates agreement or similarity.
The findings of the study were in line with previous research, idem.
Item
A point or topic in an agenda.
The first item on today's agenda is the budget report.
Idem
The same.
Item
A clause of a document, such as a bill or charter.
Idem
The same; the same as above; - often abbreviated id.
Item
An entry in an account.
Item
A bit of information; a detail.
Item
A short piece in a newspaper or magazine.
Item
Also; likewise. Used to introduce each article in an enumeration or list.
Item
To record, especially in an itemized list.
Item
A distinct physical object.
Tweezers are great for manipulating small items.
Item
An object that can be picked up for later use.
Item
A line of text having a legal or other meaning; a separate particular in an account.
The items in a bill
In response to the first item, we deny all wrongdoing.
Item
(psychometrics) A question on a test, which may include its answers.
The exam has 100 items, each of which includes a correct response and three distractors.
Item
A matter for discussion in an agenda.
The first item for discussion is the budget for next year's picnic.
Item
(informal) Two people who are having a romantic or sexual relationship with each other.
Jack and Jill are an item.
Item
A short article in a newspaper.
An item concerning the weather
Item
(obsolete) A hint; an innuendo.
Item
(India) item girl
Item
(transitive) To make a note of.
Item
Likewise
Item
Also; as an additional article.
Item
An article; a separate particular in an account; as, the items in a bill; he picked up four items at the drug store.
Item
A hint; an innuendo.
A secret item was given to some of the bishops . . . to absent themselves.
Item
A short article in a newspaper; a paragraph; as, an item concerning the weather.
Item
A topic or piece of information having the salacious character of gossip, especially a romantic relation between two people; as, I hear that the boss and his new secretary are an item.
Item
To make a note or memorandum of.
I have itemed it in my memory.
Item
A distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list;
He noticed an item in the New York Times
She had several items on her shopping list
The main point on the agenda was taken up first
Item
A whole individual unit; especially when included in a list or collection;
They reduced the price on many items
Item
A small part that can be considered separately from the whole;
It was perfect in all details
Item
An isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole;
Several of the details are similar
A point of information
Item
An individual instance of a type of symbol;
The word`error' contains three tokens of `r'
Item
(used when listing or enumerating items) also;
A length of chain, item a hook
Item
A distinct article or unit.
Each item on the list needs to be checked off.
FAQs
What does "item" mean?
"Item" refers to an individual article or unit within a list or collection.
How is "item" used in a sentence?
e.g., Each item on the agenda needs to be addressed.
In what contexts is "item" commonly used?
"Item" is used in lists, inventories, news, databases, and agendas.
What is the origin of "idem"?
"Idem" is a Latin word.
Can "item" refer to news or information?
Yes, an "item" can refer to a piece of news or information.
How does "item" function in business?
"Item" refers to products listed in inventory or entries in records.
What is the origin of "item"?
"Item" originates from Middle English, derived from Latin.
In what contexts is "idem" commonly used?
"Idem" is used in legal and academic documents.
How does "idem" function in legal documents?
"Idem" indicates that the information is the same as previously mentioned.
How is "idem" used in writing?
e.g., The author referenced several sources; idem for the conclusions.
Can "idem" be used in everyday conversation?
No, "idem" is typically used in formal or scholarly contexts.
What does "idem" mean?
"Idem" is a Latin term meaning "the same," used to avoid repetition.
Can "item" be used in an agenda?
Yes, an "item" can be a point or topic in an agenda.
Can "item" refer to merchandise?
Yes, "item" can refer to a product or piece of merchandise.
Is "item" used in databases?
Yes, an "item" can be an entry in a database.
Does "item" specify individual elements?
Yes, "item" specifies individual elements within a group.
What is an example of "idem" in academic writing?
e.g., The study results mirrored those of Smith et al., idem.
Does "idem" help maintain brevity?
Yes, "idem" helps avoid repetition and maintain brevity.
Can "idem" be used to indicate agreement?
Yes, "idem" can indicate agreement or similarity.
Is "idem" used in citations?
Yes, "idem" denotes the same source in citations.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
