WHAT IS “IT IS WHAT IT IS” IN ENGLISH: WHAT IT MEANS AND HOW TO USE IT

“It is what it is” is a common English phrase that expresses resignation, acceptance, and sometimes even a bit of indifference. It’s a way of acknowledging that something is a certain way and there’s nothing you can do to change it.

This phrase is very versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to more formal situations. It can be used to express both positive and negative emotions, and it often carries a sense of finality.

UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING

“It is what it is” essentially means that a situation or circumstance is what it is, regardless of whether you like it or not. It implies that you’ve accepted the reality of the situation, and you’re not going to dwell on it or try to change it.

This phrase can be used in various ways, often depending on the speaker’s tone and context. Sometimes it’s used to express simple acceptance, while other times it can sound a bit fatalistic or indifferent.

WHEN TO USE “IT IS WHAT IT IS”

There are many situations where “it is what it is” can be used:

• To express acceptance of an unchangeable situation: If something has happened that you can’t undo, you might say “it is what it is” to acknowledge the situation and move on.
• To show resignation: If you’ve tried to change something but it’s not working, you might say “it is what it is” to indicate that you’ve given up trying.
• To indicate indifference: Sometimes “it is what it is” can be used to express a lack of interest or concern in something, particularly if it’s not your problem.
• To dismiss a complaint: When someone is complaining about something you can’t control, you might say “it is what it is” to suggest that they need to accept it.

EXAMPLES OF “IT IS WHAT IT IS” IN USE

Here are some example scenarios where you could use “it is what it is”:

• A friend is upset about a failed exam. You could say: “I’m sorry you didn’t pass, but it is what it is. You can always study harder for the next one.”
• You’re stuck in traffic. You could say: “This traffic is terrible, but it is what it is. I’ll just have to be patient.”
• Your favorite team loses a game. You could say: “They played well, but it is what it is. We’ll cheer them on next time.”
• You’re disappointed that your plan didn’t work out. You could say “I was hoping for a different outcome, but it is what it is. I’ll try again next time.”

THE POWER OF “IT IS WHAT IT IS”

This simple phrase can be very powerful, especially when used at the right moment. It allows you to accept reality without dwelling on it, which can be liberating.

However, it’s important to note that “it is what it is” shouldn’t be used as a way to avoid responsibility or to dismiss someone else’s feelings. It’s crucial to be mindful of the context and your tone of voice.

THE ORIGINS OF “IT IS WHAT IT IS”

While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of the phrase “it is what it is,” it’s likely that it has been around for centuries. It’s a simple and straightforward expression that reflects the human tendency to acknowledge reality and accept situations that are beyond our control.

ALTERNATIVES TO “IT IS WHAT IT IS”

There are several other phrases that convey a similar meaning as “it is what it is” in English:

• “C’est la vie.” This French phrase means “that’s life” and is a way of accepting life’s ups and downs.
• “Water under the bridge.” This phrase suggests that something has happened in the past and it’s time to move on.
• “What’s done is done.” This phrase implies that you’ve made a decision and you can’t change it.
• “Let it be.” This phrase suggests that you should accept something without trying to change it.

WHEN NOT TO USE “IT IS WHAT IT IS”

While “it is what it is” can be a useful phrase, it’s not always the best choice. Here are some situations where it might not be appropriate:

• When you’re trying to avoid responsibility. If you’ve made a mistake, saying “it is what it is” might be perceived as dismissive or insincere.
• When you’re minimizing someone else’s feelings. If someone is upset about something, simply saying “it is what it is” can make them feel unheard and dismissed.
• When you want to express sympathy. In situations where someone is going through a difficult time, “it is what it is” may not be the most comforting thing to say.

CONCLUSION

“It is what it is” is a versatile and powerful expression that can be used in various situations. It allows us to acknowledge reality and accept situations that are beyond our control. While it’s a useful phrase, it’s crucial to be mindful of the context and your tone of voice, as it can be interpreted differently depending on the situation.

é o que é em inglês: o que é e como utilizar – FAQ

WHAT DOES “IT IS WHAT IT IS” REALLY MEAN?

It is a phrase used to express resignation, acceptance, and sometimes indifference when faced with something that cannot be changed. It acknowledges that a situation is as it is, regardless of whether you like it or not.

IS IT A NEGATIVE PHRASE?

It can be perceived as negative when used to dismiss someone’s feelings or avoid responsibility. However, it can also be used in a neutral way to express acceptance of a situation.

CAN I USE IT IN FORMAL SETTINGS?

It’s generally considered informal. While it’s not inappropriate in formal settings, other phrases might be more suitable depending on the context.

WHEN SHOULD I NOT USE “IT IS WHAT IT IS”?

Avoid using it when:

• You’re trying to avoid responsibility for a mistake.
• You’re minimizing someone else’s feelings.
• You want to express sympathy or support in difficult situations.

WHAT ARE SOME ALTERNATIVES?

• C’est la vie
• Water under the bridge
• What’s done is done
• Let it be

IS THERE A DIFFERENT WAY TO SAY “IT IS WHAT IT IS” IN ENGLISH?

While there are many ways to express similar meanings, “it is what it is” is a unique phrase that captures the feeling of resignation and acceptance.

IS “IT IS WHAT IT IS” AN AMERICAN PHRASE?

It is commonly used in American English, but it’s also becoming increasingly popular in other English-speaking countries.

CAN I USE “IT IS WHAT IT IS” IN A POSITIVE WAY?

Yes, it can be used in a positive way to express acceptance of a good outcome. For example, if you achieve a goal, you could say “it is what it is” to acknowledge your success.

IS “IT IS WHAT IT IS” A PHILOSOPHICAL PHRASE?

It can be seen as a philosophical statement about the nature of reality. It suggests that we must accept things as they are, rather than trying to force them to be different.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT “IT IS WHAT IT IS”?

You can find more information about the phrase “it is what it is” by searching online or consulting a dictionary.

Here are some resources that may be helpful: Merriam-Webster Dictionary Definition of “It Is What It Is” Etymology of “It Is What It Is”