David T. Thompson and Thompson Communications Companies, Inc. v. Davor G. Gjivoje

CARDAMONE, Circuit Judge:

A portion of this appeal turns on the use of the abbreviated Latin phrase “i.e.” These letters, generally translated as “that is to say,” are like a parenthetical phrase that defines or explains more precisely the words preceding them. Little words sometimes constitute a trap for an unwary draftsman causing a contract to be strictly construed according to its written terms, as we construe it in this case, not broadly construed as the draftsman now claims it should be.

This appeal in a diversity suit involves a dispute over a contract under which plaintiffs, David…