Word
viz
Definitions
01namely / that is to say
adv. Stands for videlicet. It means 'namely' or 'specifically' and is used to introduce a list or a clearer explanation of something.
adv. Abbreviation for videlicet. Used to introduce a specific list or clarification; it functions as a formal equivalent to 'namely' or 'that is to say'.
“The company has three main goals, viz. to increase sales, reduce costs, and improve quality.”
“The contract identifies three specific categories of force majeure, viz. natural disasters, acts of war, and nationwide industrial strikes.”
Formal · Technical
Usage
Always followed by a list or a specific clarification; usually preceded by a comma and followed by a space, though a full stop is standard as it is an abbreviation.
Pitfall
The viz. of the project was clear.
The visualization of the project was clear.
In formal writing, 'viz.' is an adverb used to introduce a list, not a noun meaning 'vision' or 'visualization'.
Teaching tip
This is almost exclusively found in legal, academic, or very old-fashioned formal texts. Students should recognize it but use 'namely' or 'specifically' in their own writing to sound more modern.
Synonyms
02visuals or visibility
n. A short way of saying 'visuals' or 'visibility', often used in technical jobs like design or aviation.
n. A clipping of 'visual', 'visualization', or 'visibility'. Used primarily in technical shorthand or informal professional jargon.
“The pilot reported poor viz due to the heavy fog over the runway.”
“The lead designer requested the high-resolution viz for the client presentation scheduled for Tuesday morning.”
Informal · Technical
Usage
Common in fields like data science (data viz) or aviation (low viz).
Teaching tip
Explain that while the adverb 'viz.' is very formal, this noun usage is modern professional shorthand.
Synonyms
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/viz