namely
Americanadverb
adverb
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Namely, these models employ AI to calibrate quantum processing units and design algorithms for correcting errors.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026
Namely, how much is a fund worth if you can’t get all your money out of it, and the fund, in turn, can’t get its own money out of another fund?
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Namely, breastfeeding is very time-consuming, even in the best of circumstances.
From Slate • Jan. 20, 2026
Namely, narrowing market breadth, defensive stocks taking the lead, and tightening credit.
From Barron's • Jan. 5, 2026
Namely, that the putative crème de la crème impart their enriching essence to the milkier orders.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
