What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
namely
Example
There are several fruits in the basket, namely apples, oranges, and bananas. [namely: adverb]
Example
The company has three main departments, namely sales, marketing, and finance. [namely: adverb]
specifically
Example
I specifically asked for a window seat on my flight. [specifically: adverb]
Example
The instructions specifically state not to use the product on painted surfaces. [specifically: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Specifically is more commonly used than namely in everyday language. Specifically is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while namely is less common and is typically used in more formal writing or speech.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between namely and specifically?
Namely is considered more formal than specifically. It is often used in academic or legal writing to introduce a list of specific items or examples. Specifically, on the other hand, is more commonly used in everyday language and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
