viz. (videlicet)

lit. “it is permitted to see”

'Namely' — used in formal writing to introduce a specific list or detailed restatement.

Origin

An abbreviation of videlicet ('one is permitted to see'). The unusual letter 'z' represents a medieval scribal abbreviation symbol that came to look like a z in print. The word has been used since the 15th century but never quite displaced 'namely' in modern usage.

Modern usage

Now mostly limited to legal writing and the most formal academic prose. Conversational writing uses 'namely' or 'that is.' Encountering 'viz.' in modern text usually means the writer has read a great deal of Victorian academic prose.

i.e. (id est)

'That is to say' — used to restate something more precisely or clarify what was just said.

phrase

Latin Phrases

e.g. (exempli gratia)

'For example' — used to introduce one or more examples of something just mentioned.

phrase

Latin Phrases

Et al. (et alia)

Standard academic shorthand for 'and other authors' in a citation with multiple contributors.

kiso.to