namely
adv.-
1 specifically (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formalyou use this to give the exact name or detail of something you have just mentioned.
used to introduce a specific name, list, or description that identifies something previously mentioned in general terms.
ExampleWe have one major problem to solve, namely the lack of funding.
ExampleThe survey identified three primary areas of concern, namely job security, wage stagnation, and the rising cost of healthcare.
UsageUsually follows a comma and precedes the specific noun or list it identifies.
Teacher's tipWhile 'namely' is formal, it is very common in academic writing to clarify a general category mentioned earlier in the sentence.
- specifically
- that is to say
- viz.
PitfallI 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.
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2 especially (adv.) C2 Proficiency Archaican old-fashioned way to say 'especially' or 'above all'.
used to single out a particular person or thing as being more important than others.
ExampleThe king was loved by all his subjects, namely by the poor.
ExampleThe laws were designed to protect the interests of the merchant class, namely those involved in the wool trade.
UsageRarely encountered in modern prose except when reading historical texts.
Teacher's tipStudents should recognize this in older literature but avoid using it in their own modern writing.
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.
Last updated June 19, 2026