Cf. Abbreviation: Meaning and Usage Across Disciplines
In the world of academic writing and scientific documentation, small abbreviations often carry significant weight. One of the most common yet frequently misunderstood markers is cf. Derived from the Latin words confer or conferatur, both of which mean "compare," this abbreviation serves as a directional signpost for readers, urging them to look at other material to draw a comparison with the topic at hand.
While its core meaning remains consistent, the specific application of cf. varies significantly depending on the style guide being followed or the scientific field in which it is used.
Key Facts
- Origin: Derived from the Latin confer or conferatur, meaning "compare."
- General Purpose: Directs the reader to other material for comparison.
- Regional Variation: In Italian, the abbreviation cfr. (from confronta) is more common than cf.
- Academic Distinction: Often distinguished from "see" or "vide," which simply point to a source of information.
- Specialized Use: Used in biology for uncertain species identification and in numismatics for near-matches in coin catalogs.
Usage Guides in Academic Writing
Different scholarly disciplines and style guides have established specific rules to ensure clarity and precision in citations.
General Academic Standards
The Chicago Manual of Style and the writing center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recommend a strict distinction between cf. and other directional terms. According to these guides, cf. should be used exclusively to suggest a comparison. In contrast, terms like "see" or vide should be used when the author simply wants to point the reader toward a source of information.
APA Style
The American Psychological Association (APA) 2010 style guide provides a more specific nuance: cf. should be used specifically to provide contrasting or opposing information. If the author intends to compare similar things, the APA recommends using "see" or "see also" instead.
Legal Documentation
In legal writing, as noted by Wex (the Cornell Law School online legal dictionary), a cf. source offers a different but non-contradictory claim. It is important to note that a cf. citation does not necessarily imply actual support for the claim just made. If a source provides a contradictory claim, legal writers use "negative signals." These signals range from mutually exclusive to somewhat contradictory, including Contra, But see, and But cf.
Specialized Applications in Science and Collecting
Biological Taxonomy
In biology, cf. is used within taxonomy (the science of naming and classifying organisms) to handle identification challenges. When placed between the genus name and the species name, it indicates that a specimen is difficult to identify due to practical issues, such as poor preservation.
For example, the term Barbus cf. holotaenia suggests that the specimen belongs to the genus Barbus and is believed to be Barbus holotaenia, though the species-level identification cannot be confirmed with certainty.
Additionally, it can express a possible identity or significant resemblance. In the notation Diptera: Tabanidae, cf. Tabanus, the author is certain of the order (Diptera) and family (Tabanidae) but can only suggest the genus (Tabanus) without enough information to specify a particular species.
Numismatics
Numismatists—specialists who study and collect coins—use cf. in paper and online identification records to mean "compare to." This is common when referencing trusted coin catalogs or auction listings. If a coin specimen is not an exact match to a known source but is very close, cf. is used to guide the researcher toward the nearest known example.
Summary of Cf. Usage by Field
| Field/Guide | Primary Meaning | Specific Application |
|---|---|---|
| General Academic (Chicago/UNC) | Compare | Used only for comparison; "see" is used for general reference. |
| APA Style | Contrast | Used for contrasting or opposing information. |
| Legal (Wex/Cornell) | Different but non-contradictory | Offers a different claim; not necessarily supporting the current one. |
| Biology (Taxonomy) | Likely/Resembles | Used when species identification is uncertain due to preservation. |
| Numismatics | Compare to | Used for specimens that closely resemble but don't exactly match a catalog. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does cf. stand for?
The abbreviation cf. stands for the Latin words confer or conferatur, both of which translate to "compare" in English.
Is cf. the same as "see also"?
Not necessarily. While often used interchangeably in casual writing, many style guides (like Chicago and APA) distinguish them. "See" points to a source for information, while cf. specifically asks the reader to compare the current point with another.
How is cf. used in biological naming?
In taxonomy, it is placed between the genus and species names to indicate that a specimen strongly resembles a certain species but cannot be identified with absolute certainty, often due to the poor condition of the specimen.
What is the difference between cf. and a negative signal in law?
In legal citations, cf. is used for sources that provide a different but non-contradictory claim. Negative signals, such as Contra or But see, are used specifically when the cited source contradicts the claim being made.
Does the meaning of cf. change in different languages?
While the Latin root is universal, the abbreviation itself can vary. For instance, in Italian, cfr. (from confronta) is more commonly used than cf.