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Glite Dictionary
🏝️ Isle of Wight 🔄 In other words
IOW

IOW

9.3
A short written phrase people use to introduce a clearer way of saying something
  • symbol
  • Texting
translation icon : en otras palabras
  • She failed the test; IOW, she needs to study harder.

Examples

  • He didn't like the movie, IOW, it was boring.

  • The meeting is postponed, IOW, you do not need to come in this afternoon.

  • We need to finish this project today, IOW, there is no time to waste.

  • He is not coming to the party, IOW, we should not wait for him.

  • We need to finish this project today, IOW, there is no time left to waste.

  • The meeting is postponed, IOW, you don't need to come in this afternoon.

  • He's not attending the party, IOW, we shouldn't wait for him.

Synonyms

in other words
vsIOW
275 2.7

To say something in a clearer way

is the abbreviation used to introduce such a rephrasing
that is to say
vsIOW
37 3.5

To say something more clearly

is the abbreviation used to perform this clarifying role
to wit
vsIOW
  • Archaic
8 8.7

Introduces specific examples or details that follow

is the abbreviation used to introduce a clarification or rephrasing
i.e.
vsIOW
  • Formal
3.6

To explain something just mentioned more clearly, giving the exact meaning

is the abbreviation used to introduce a clarification or rephrasing
id est
vsIOW
  • Formal
8.2

To give a more exact explanation

is the abbreviation used to introduce a clarification or rephrasing

Surface Forms

IOW main

Morphology

IOW = other + words (semi-transparent) = I + O + W

A straightforward initialism of the common phrase 'in other words'; knowing the component words makes the meaning evident. [Postprocessing: moved 'in' from base_words to prefix] [Postprocessing: changed transparency from 'transparent' to 'semi-transparent' for abbreviation]

Etymology

IOW comes from the first letters I, O, W of the phrase 'in other words', and people use it before a short rephrase or clear explanation. That's why you see IOW when someone wants to say the same idea in a simpler way.