to wit

Idioms  

1. That is to say, namely, as in There are three good reasons for not going, to wit, we don't want to, we don't have to, and we can't get a reservation. This expression comes from the now archaic verb to wit, meaning “know or be aware of,” not heard except in this usage. [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

to wit

Thursday night’s affair was an exercise in affirmation, underscoring much of what we’ve already grasped, to wit:

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 1, 2023

Mr. Whittington typified the breed of Texan known as the good ol’ boy, a traditional Lone Star tribute to wit, understatement and loyalty.

From New York Times ● Feb. 5, 2023

As we wrap up the year, I’ve got a few random recommendations for 2022 crime books I read this year that didn’t make it into previous columns, to wit:

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 13, 2022

But before Congress rushes to create a new Department of Algorithm Review, I suggest we recall Walt Kelly’s comment in his comic strip, “Pogo,” to wit: “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”

From Washington Post ● Oct. 26, 2021

Moreover in order that I might the more easily arrange the examples, I have introduced two persons in the manner of a dialogue, to wit a novice asking questions and a monk replying to them....

From Medieval English Nunneries c. 1275 to 1535 by Eileen Power

Related Words

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