ceteris

Ceteris is a Latin term meaning “the other things” and is most familiar in the expression ceteris paribus, literally “the other things being equal.” In classical Latin, ceteris is the ablative (and dative) plural form of the adjective or pronoun ceterus, which means “the other” or “the rest.”

Origin and form: The base word ceterus denotes what remains or is other. In Latin grammar, ceteris appears in the plural forms to indicate other items or conditions. The phrase ceteris paribus uses these ablative plural forms to express a condition where all other factors are held constant or equal.

Usage: Ceteris paribus is widely used outside of classical language to frame analyses in which a single variable is investigated while all other relevant factors are assumed constant. It is common in economics, statistics, philosophy, law, and policy discussions, serving as a simplifying assumption that allows clearer examination of cause-and-effect relationships.

Examples:

- Ceteris paribus, a higher price reduces demand.

- The theory predicts higher returns from investment, ceteris paribus, assuming no changes in risk or competition.

Notes: While ceteris paribus is the standard form, the word ceteris itself appears primarily within that phrase and in academic discussions of Latin grammar. The term’s modern usage reflects its role as a shorthand for controlling extraneous variables in theoretical analysis.