adv
Common
namely
NAYM-lee
Namely (adv) means used to introduce something more specific right after a general statement — "that is to say.". Example: “The recipe needs only one spice, namely cinnamon.”
adv
1
Used to introduce something more specific right after a general statement — "that is to say."
"The recipe needs only one spice, namely cinnamon."
"Several students were late, namely those who took the slower bus."
"Two countries stood out, namely France and Spain."
How to use namely
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA connector word used just before you spell out exactly what you mean.
Memory tip
Use "namely" right before a list or example that clarifies what you just said in general terms.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more namely, namelier
- Superlative
- most namely, nameliest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The recipe needs only one spice, _____ cinnamon.
Etymology
From Middle English namely, built from name plus -ly.
Synonyms
View more →
specifically
i.e.
in particular
to be specific
that is to say
to wit
scilicet
videlicet
viz.
sc.
in other words
Related words
Rhymes for namely
See all rhymes for namely →Frequently asked questions
What does “namely” mean?
The word “namely” means used to introduce something more specific right after a general statement — "that is to say.". In plain terms, a connector word used just before you spell out exactly what you mean.
How do you pronounce “namely”?
“Namely” is pronounced NAYM-lee (/ˈneɪmli/ in IPA).
How do you use “namely” in a sentence?
Here is “namely” used in a sentence: “Two countries stood out, namely France and Spain.”
What is another word for “namely”?
Words with a similar meaning to “namely” include that is to say, to wit, scilicet, videlicet, viz. and sc..
What part of speech is “namely”?
“Namely” is an adverb.
Where does the word “namely” come from?
The word “namely” comes from Middle English. From Middle English namely, built from name plus -ly.
Is “namely” a common word?
“Namely” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between namely and i.e.?
Namely introduces the specific identity of something just mentioned in general terms: "two students won, namely Anna and Raj." The abbreviation i.e. means "that is" and restates or clarifies an idea rather than listing exactly who or what was meant. Namely names; i.e. rephrases.
What punctuation should you use with namely?
Namely is normally preceded by a comma, dash, or semicolon, and then followed directly by the specific items: "one country, namely Japan." A comma after namely itself is optional and is usually omitted in modern writing.
What is the difference between namely and such as?
Such as introduces examples and implies the list is incomplete: "some metals, such as iron." Namely introduces the complete, specific identity of what was just mentioned: "two metals, namely iron and copper." Use namely only when you are naming everything you referred to.
Is namely a formal word?
Namely is neutral to formal and is most common in written English such as reports and academic prose. In casual speech, people tend to say "that is" or simply name the things directly, while the Latin equivalents viz. and to wit are more formal still.
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