namely
/ˈneɪmli/ adverb, adjective
Forms namelier nameliest
- adverb Specifically; that is to say. “Some of the students — namely Paul, Alice and Jake — seem to have trouble with geometry.”
- adverb (now rare) Especially, above all.
- adjective Notable, distinguished; famous, renowned; well-known.
Synonyms
that is to say to wit videlicet scilicet viz. sc. in other words
Etymology
From Middle English namely, nameliche, namelike, equivalent to name + -ly. Cognate with Saterland Frisian nämmelk, West Frisian nammentlik, Dutch namelijk, German Low German nämlich, German nämlich, Danish nemlig, Swedish nämligen, Icelandic nefnilega.
From Middle English namely, namly, equivalent to name + -ly.
Webster’s 1913
- adverb By name; by particular mention; specifically; especially; expressly. [Obs.] Chaucer.
- adverb That is to say; to wit; videlicet; --introducing a particular or specific designation.
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “namely”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details