vide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareFormal, Scholarly, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “vide” mean?
A term meaning 'see' or 'refer to', used to direct a reader to another source or section, typically in scholarly or formal writing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term meaning 'see' or 'refer to', used to direct a reader to another source or section, typically in scholarly or formal writing.
It functions as an imperative verb, instructing the reader to consult a specified reference, page, or passage for further information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The term is equally rare and formal in both varieties. It might appear marginally more often in British academic or legal tradition due to historical Latinate influence.
Connotations
Conveys an air of erudition, formality, and precision. Can sometimes be perceived as pretentious or overly pedantic in non-academic contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects. Almost entirely confined to footnotes, citations, and technical appendices.
Grammar
How to Use “vide” in a Sentence
vide [noun phrase]vide [page/section number]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “vide” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The author concludes, 'vide the supporting evidence in Table 2.'
- A footnote simply stated, 'Vide supra, p. 10.'
American English
- The citation read, 'Vide infra for contrary opinions.'
- The legal brief directed the clerk, 'Vide the precedent set in Smith v. Jones.'
adverb
British English
- No adverb form exists.
American English
- No adverb form exists.
adjective
British English
- No adjective form exists.
American English
- No adjective form exists.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in footnotes, endnotes, and parenthetical citations to direct readers. Example: 'For the full argument, vide Chapter 3.'
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used in some legal, philosophical, or classical studies texts, following older citation styles.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “vide”
- Using it in spoken English.
- Using it as a non-imperative verb (e.g., 'I will vide that later').
- Misspelling as 'vidé' or 'videt'.
- Pronouncing it as /vaɪd/ (like 'wide').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and confined to very formal, scholarly, or legal writing. Most native speakers will never use it.
It is pronounced /ˈvɪdeɪ/ (VID-ay), with a long 'a' sound at the end, not like the word 'video'.
No, it would sound highly unnatural and pretentious. Use 'see', 'refer to', or 'check' instead.
'Vide supra' means 'see above' and 'vide infra' means 'see below'. They are fixed Latin phrases used in academic cross-referencing.
A term meaning 'see' or 'refer to', used to direct a reader to another source or section, typically in scholarly or formal writing.
Vide is usually formal, scholarly, archaic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Vide ut supra' (see as above) is a related Latin phrase, but not an English idiom.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'video' (I see in Latin). 'Vide' is the command: 'You, see!'
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INFORMATION IS A LOCATION (you are directed to 'go and see' another place in the text).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'vide' most appropriately used?