# viz

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/viz
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. namely / that is to say

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

Stands for videlicet. It means 'namely' or 'specifically' and is used to introduce a list or a clearer explanation of something.

For teachers: 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.

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.

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.

### 2. visuals or visibility

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · Technical

A short way of saying 'visuals' or 'visibility', often used in technical jobs like design or aviation.

For teachers: 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.

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.

## Examples

- The committee has two members, viz. the chairman and the secretary.
- The company offers three main services, viz. consulting, auditing, and tax preparation.
- The treaty identifies the three sovereign powers involved, viz. the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, as the primary guarantors of the regional peace agreement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.