cet. par.
Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Latin
| Stands for | Ceteris paribus (other things being equal) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
cet. par. stands for Ceteris paribus (other things being equal), a Latin abbreviation.
Qualifies a claim by assuming that every factor except the one under discussion stays unchanged. Economists rely on the assumption constantly, for example when stating that higher prices reduce the quantity demanded.
Example: Cet. par., a rise in the price of coffee should reduce the amount of coffee consumers buy.
Usage notes
The abbreviation is rare; textbooks almost always write ceteris paribus in full, often in italics. The assumption is central to the partial-equilibrium analysis associated with the economist Alfred Marshall. A related phrase, mutatis mutandis, means "with the necessary changes having been made." Critics point out that real markets rarely hold other things equal.
Related abbreviations
More Latin abbreviations
- a.u.c. – Ab urbe condita (from the founding of the city)
- AD – Anno Domini (in the year of the Lord)
- ad inf. – Ad infinitum (to infinity)
- ad lib. – Ad libitum (at one's pleasure)
- aet. – Aetatis (aged, at the age of)
- c. – Circa (around, approximately)
- cf. – Confer (compare)
- CV – Curriculum vitae (course of life)
- d. – Denarius (penny)
- D.G. – Dei gratia (by the grace of God)
- D.V. – Deo volente (God willing)
- del. – Delineavit (drew it)