English Online Dictionary. What means namely? What does namely mean?
English
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈneɪmli/
- Rhymes: -eɪmli
Etymology 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.
Adverb
namely (not comparable)
- Specifically; that is to say.
- (now rare) Especially, above all.
Usage notes
A synonymous expression is the use of colon—":", as in "There are three ways to do it: the right way, the wrong way […]."
Since this is considered a dependent clause, a comma should follow the expression and either a semicolon or a comma should precede it, depending on the strength of the break in continuity. "Namely" can thus almost be considered a conjunction.
Synonyms
- that is to say, to wit, videlicet, scilicet, viz., sc.; see also Thesaurus:specifically or Thesaurus:in other words
Translations
Etymology 2
From Middle English namely, namly, equivalent to name + -ly.
Adjective
namely (comparative more namely or namelier, superlative most namely or nameliest)
- Notable, distinguished; famous, renowned; well-known.
Anagrams
- Manley, Melany, laymen, meanly, yelman