What are these symbols used for?

Question

I do not understand these symbols.

“e.g.” means “for example”. “i.e.” means “that is”. “cf.” means “compare”. I don't know what ‘a.s.” means unless it is an abbreviation for “almost surely”. You should buy a dictionary, and learn to use it. — MJD, Jul 01 '14 at 15:04
This is in no way unique to mathematics--I've seen these used in all sorts of texts, and use them myself in everyday correspondence. — apnorton, Jul 01 '14 at 15:13

score 8 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 01 '14 at 15:07

8

See Wikepedia for a nice list of mathematical abbreviations.

Mathematically, a.s. is used to shorten "almost surely."

And a.e. is used to shorten "almost everywhere."

You might also want to consult the list of mathematical jargon, particularly if English isn't your native language, and even if it is!

answered Jul 01 '14 at 15:07

amWhy

Nicky Hekster · Answer 2 · 2014-07-01T15:08:11.187

6

as such & almost surely, exempli gratia (as an example), id est (that is), (cf.) confer (see, consult), $\dots=\dots$.

edited Jul 01 '14 at 15:08

answered Jul 01 '14 at 15:01

Nicky Hekster

1

I think i.e. stands for id est – GFR Jul 01 '14 at 15:03
1

While you're at it, how about adding "etc." et cetera (and so on...) – amWhy Jul 01 '14 at 15:03
I've seen "s.t." to mean such that, so that, subject to, and similar phrases. – Zubin Mukerjee Jul 01 '14 at 15:04
Yes correct, will edit. By the way, it would be nice to have a site were we can find all mathematical abbreviations (like WLOG, QED, etc.) Does it exist? – Nicky Hekster Jul 01 '14 at 15:04
Wikipedia's list of mathematical abbreviations. – Zubin Mukerjee Jul 01 '14 at 15:05
as @amWhy stated (but deleted his comment?), a.s. usually means almost surely EDIT: see his other answer – Zubin Mukerjee Jul 01 '14 at 15:06
@Zubin - nice! Thanks. – Nicky Hekster Jul 01 '14 at 15:08

2 Answers2