First recorded in 1530–40; abbreviation of videlicet ( def. ), the -z representing the common medieval symbol for Latin et or -et
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For example, where Bromley sounds pedantic or confused, the index picks this up: “Chatham, where and how situated, viz., on the other Side Rochester Bridge, though commonly reported to be on this Side, p. 1.”
From Slate ● Feb. 21, 2022
Mr. Willman, as ſeen in the Trailer, performs great and terrible Feats of Witchcraft and Sorcery, heedleſs of the Damnation that muſt ſurely follow, viz.:
From Slate ● Aug. 12, 2018
But you will have to pay a 15% tax, viz., three lousy seasons at the end of it all during which time hopefully your team will be positioned for its next run.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 8, 2016
Synesthetes, as these individuals are called, lead normal, healthy lives except that they experience additional sensations to sensory stimuli, viz. colors or tastes for words, touch for sounds, and so on.
From Scientific American ● Oct. 20, 2015
He doth not comprehend my full Palsy nor how Agitation inspires its Assaults through the Disequilibrium of the Humors, viz. the Superabundance of Bile.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson
Que Será, Será Here’s a phrase that permits us to banish Any thought that is overly plan-ish — Just the future tense, viz.,
From Washington Post ● Jul. 15, 2021
Southerners in my experience are more than happy to visit the other side - viz my bike-rides.
From BBC ● Jun. 9, 2016
BST15:06 19 min: Play has yet to restart as a team of four medical staff continue to make Luke Shaw as comfortable as possible, with the stretcher bearers looking on in their high viz jackets.
From The Guardian ● Sep. 15, 2015
One of those pairs has no business being bandied about, viz.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 18, 2012
The principle pleasure of these audiences, says Dr. Trefusis, lies in referring to royalty without either revealing or denying the closeness of his connection, viz.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson
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.
