Viz. Abbreviation
“Viz.” is a written abbreviation used to introduce a more exact specification of what was just stated. Cambridge marks the form old-fashioned and gives “namely” as a modern synonym.
“Viz.” means “namely” or “that is to say” when introducing a more exact specification; Cambridge marks it old-fashioned.
Key details
Important caveats
Punctuation Boundary
The dictionary headword includes the abbreviation period; surrounding comma punctuation depends on sentence structure and style.
Further guidance
Meaning
Cambridge defines “viz.” as a written form used to give more detail or be more exact about a preceding statement.
Register
Cambridge labels the expression old-fashioned, so plain “namely” is often clearer in modern prose.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Viz. — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Meaning and written form of viz.; marked old-fashioned and synonymous with namely