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Meaning & use

ad idem

adjective, adverb·Advancedlegalformaltechnical

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UK/æd ˈaɪdem/
US/ɑːd ˈiːdem/

Meanings

  1. adjectiveafter a verblegalformal

    In agreement about the same thing; having the same understanding of the matter or terms involved.

    Grammar: Follows a linking verb: the parties are ad idem.

    Patterns

    • be ad idem
    • ad idem on something

    The two companies were ad idem on the price but not on the delivery date.

    A contract only forms when both parties are ad idem.

    The lawyers were ad idem about the facts of the case.

  2. adverbnot comparablelegaltechnical

    Concerning the same point or in a way that shows both sides share one view.

    Grammar: Appears with verbs such as agree: they agreed ad idem.

    Patterns

    • meet ad idem
    • reach ad idem

    The minds of the buyer and seller met ad idem when they signed.

    Counsel stated that the parties had come together ad idem.

Common combinations

be ad idem
We are ad idem on the main issue.
ad idem on the terms
Both parties were ad idem on the terms of sale.
consensus ad idem
The doctrine of consensus ad idem requires a true meeting of minds.
not ad idem
The buyers were not ad idem with the seller.
remain ad idem
Both sides remained ad idem throughout the talks.

Synonyms and how they differ

in agreement
In agreement is plain English and fits any setting, while ad idem is technical and legal.
of one mind
Of one mind is literary and warm, while ad idem is dry and legal.
on the same page
On the same page is informal and common in offices, whereas ad idem is formal legal Latin.
at one
At one means united in opinion or feeling, whereas ad idem refers to a shared understanding of terms.

Opposites

at oddsin dispute

Word family

idem adjective
Latin for the same, used in citations
consensus noun
general agreement
consensus ad idem noun
a true meeting of minds in contract law
agreement noun
a shared decision or understanding

Commonly confused: ad idem or ad hoc? ad idem or ad infinitum?

ad idem vs ad hoc

Ad hoc means created for a particular purpose, whereas ad idem means in agreement.

ad idem vs ad infinitum

Ad infinitum means without end and is unrelated to agreement.

Practice

The contract was void because the parties were never ___ about what was being sold.

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