ditto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal
Quick answer
What does “ditto” mean?
Used to indicate that something already said applies again in exactly the same way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Used to indicate that something already said applies again in exactly the same way.
The same thing again; a duplicate or copy; a symbol (〃) representing repetition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical, though slightly more common in American informal speech.
Connotations
Can sound slightly casual or bureaucratic depending on context.
Frequency
Moderately low in both; more common in specific contexts (lists, agreements).
Grammar
How to Use “ditto” in a Sentence
(I) ditto (that).(She said) ditto.Ditto for (me).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ditto” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She dittoed his opinion on the matter.
American English
- He dittoed the previous speaker's comments.
adverb
British English
- She felt ditto about the proposal.
American English
- He voted ditto in the second round.
adjective
British English
- We received a ditto copy of the invoice.
American English
- The ditto report was filed in triplicate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in minutes or lists to avoid rewriting repeated items.
Academic
Rare; sometimes in footnotes as 'ibid.' instead.
Everyday
Informal agreement: 'I'm exhausted.' 'Ditto.'
Technical
In printing/archival contexts for duplication.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ditto”
- Using 'ditto' in formal essays.
- Saying 'ditto' as a full sentence without prior context.
- Overusing in conversation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, informally: "Ditto for me."
Generally no; use 'ibid.', 'similarly', or repeat the phrase.
Symbols (〃) used in lists/tables to show repetition of the item above.
Yes, but informally: 'to ditto' means to copy or repeat.
Used to indicate that something already said applies again in exactly the same way.
Ditto is usually informal in register.
Ditto: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪtəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪtoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ditto marks”
- “say ditto to something”
- “ditto for someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two identical 'dots' (dit-to) repeating each other.
Conceptual Metaphor
REPETITION IS A COPY; AGREEMENT IS ECHOING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'ditto' LEAST appropriate?