Word
namely
Phoneticsname·ly
US/ˈneɪmɫi/
UK/nˈeɪmli/
Definitions
01specifically
adv. you use this to give the exact name or detail of something you have just mentioned.
adv. used to introduce a specific name, list, or description that identifies something previously mentioned in general terms.
“We have one major problem to solve, namely the lack of funding.”
“The survey identified three primary areas of concern, namely job security, wage stagnation, and the rising cost of healthcare.”
Formal
Usage
Usually follows a comma and precedes the specific noun or list it identifies.
Pitfall
I have two hobbies, namely are reading and swimming.
I have two hobbies, namely reading and swimming.
Do not put a verb like 'are' or 'is' immediately after 'namely'; it should lead directly into the noun or list.
Teaching tip
While 'namely' is formal, it is very common in academic writing to clarify a general category mentioned earlier in the sentence.
Synonyms
02especially
adv. an old-fashioned way to say 'especially' or 'above all'.
adv. used to single out a particular person or thing as being more important than others.
“The king was loved by all his subjects, namely by the poor.”
“The laws were designed to protect the interests of the merchant class, namely those involved in the wool trade.”
Archaic
Usage
Rarely encountered in modern prose except when reading historical texts.
Teaching tip
Students should recognize this in older literature but avoid using it in their own modern writing.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“That's a ridiculous thing to say."
So, now the midfield is sorted, it is natural for fans to look at the other areas of Carrick's squad that could do with reinforcements; namely left-back.” “The Military Engineer Yet there were several obstacles involved in the construction of the pool – namely, the area was swampland, so the settling of the ground and the drainage presented practical construction challenges.” 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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.