ceteris paribus

Definition

All things being equal; with all other things or factors remaining the same; other things held constant; all else unchanged.

Etymology

From Latin cēterīs, the ablative plural of cēterus (“the other, the rest”), + paribus, the ablative case plural of pār (“equal”).

Example Sentences

• "And therefore 'tis not to be doubted, but could we make a Microscope to have one only refraction, it would, cæteris paribus, far excel any other that had a greater number."
• "On closer inspection it appeared that steel annealed at 100° is, cæteris paribus, more easily soluble than glass hard steel; steel annealed at 200° more easily soluble than steel annealed at 100°, and steel annealed at 360° more easily soluble than steel annealed at 200°."