namely

American  

[neym-lee] / ˈneɪm li /

adverb

1. that is to say; explicitly; specifically; to wit.

   an item of legislation, namely, the housing bill.

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namely British  

/ ˈneɪmlɪ /

adverb

1. that is to say

   it was another colour, namely green

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Etymology

Origin of namely

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English namely, earlier nameliche; see name, -ly

Explanation

The word namely is a way of saying, "That is to say." After the word namely, you find out the specifics of something. We know people and things by their names. Maybe that's why the word namely is used to name the specific details of something that was previously said. You could say, "I have a new job: namely, as a teacher." Maybe you're afraid of an animal, namely, wolves. Namely means almost exactly the same thing as specifically and is followed by an example or examples. This word also works something like the colon, which also introduces information.

Example Sentences

Cottage cheese is known for being packed with nutrients, namely protein, making it a top choice of food within the fitness community.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

While weight-loss medications are designed as lifelong treatments for chronic diseases, namely obesity and Type 2 diabetes, they are increasingly marketed as lifestyle fixes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

I appreciate a suggestion to infuse playfulness into moments of potential frustration, namely “transition moments.”

From Slate • May 10, 2026

Instead, just encourage all the rich people there to keep doing what they’re already doing — namely spending ridiculous amounts of money on ridiculous designer clothes.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

This is one of the things I most dislike about nature, namely that the rules are not at all precise.

From "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff

Related Words

• especially
• i.e.
• particularly
• specially
• specifically