namely Meaning & Definition
What Does Namely Mean?
Namely is used as an adverb meaning Specifically; that is to say. It can also mean Especially, above all. As an adjective, it means Notable, distinguished; famous, renowned; well-known.
Namely at a Glance
| Part of speech | adverb, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈneɪmli/ |
| Synonyms | videlicet, that is to say and to wit |
| Comparative / superlative | more namely, most namely |
Namely Definition (Adverb)
- Specifically; that is to say.
Some of the students — namely Paul, Alice and Jake — seem to have trouble with geometry.
- Especially, above all.
Namely as an Adjective
- Notable, distinguished; famous, renowned; well-known.
Synonyms of Namely
Namely synonyms and antonyms →Namely in a Sentence
Some of the students — namely Paul, Alice and Jake — seem to have trouble with geometry.
There are three ways to do it, namely the right way, the wrong way and the Army way.
Word Forms & Grammar
namely (not comparable)
namely (comparative more namely or namelier, superlative most namely or nameliest)
Words That Rhyme With Namely
Origin of Namely
Origin 1: From Middle English namely, nameliche, namelike, equivalent to name + -ly. Cognate with Saterland Frisian nämmelk, West Frisian nammentlik, Dutch namelijk, German Low German nämlich, German nämlich, Danish nemlig, Swedish nämligen, Icelandic nefnilega.
Origin 2: From Middle English namely, namly, equivalent to name + -ly.
Common Questions About Namely
Is namely an adverb or an adjective?
Namely is mainly used as an adverb, but it can also be used as an adjective.
What is another word for namely?
You can replace namely with words such as videlicet, that is to say and to wit. See the full list of namely synonyms and antonyms.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of namely?
The comparative form is more namely and the superlative form is most namely.