NAMELY

namely, viz., that is to say, to wit, videlicet

(adverb) as follows

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adverb

namely (not comparable)

Specifically; that is to say.

(now, rare) Especially, above all.

Usage notes

A synonymous expression is the use of colon—":", as in "There are three ways to do it: the right way, the wrong way […]."

Since this is considered a dependent clause, a comma should follow the expression and either a semicolon or a comma should precede it, depending on the strength of the break in continuity. "Namely" can thus almost be considered a conjunction.

Synonyms

• that is to say, to wit, videlicet, scilicet, viz, sc.; see also specifically or in other words

Anagrams

• Manley, Melany, laymen, meanly

Source: Wiktionary


Name"ly, adv.

1. By name; by particular mention; specifically; especially; expressly. [Obs.] Chaucer. The solitariness of man ...God hath namely and principally ordered to prevent by marriage. Milton.

2. That is to say; to wit; videlicet; -- introducing a particular or specific designation. For the excellency of the soul, namely, its power of divining dreams; that several such divinations have been made, none Addison.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

22 February 2025

ANALYSIS

(noun) the use of closed-class words instead of inflections: e.g., ‘the father of the bride’ instead of ‘the bride’s father’


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Coffee Trivia

In the 16th century, Turkish women could divorce their husbands if the man failed to keep his family’s pot filled with coffee.

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