June 11th, 2010

mutatis mutandis

I like the music, appearance and function of this expression. Wiki:

Mutatis mutandis is a Latin phrase meaning “by changing those things which need to be changed” or more simply “the necessary changes having been made”. The term is used when comparing two situations with a multiplicity of common variables set at the same value, in which the value of only one variable is allowed to differ – “all other things being equal” –thereby making comparison easier (cf. ceteris paribus).

It carries the connotation that the reader should pay attention to the corresponding differences between the current statement and a previous one, although they are analogous.

An example:

“His cat” and “His dog” should be changed to “Her cat” and “Her dog”, mutatis mutandis for pony, sheep and cow. (That is, “His pony” becomes “Her pony”, and so on.)

Mutatis mutandis @ wikipedia

See also: nolens volens


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