Videlicet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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videlicet
[ˌvaɪ.dɪˈlɪ.sɛt ]
Definition
clarification term
Videlicet is a term used to specify or clarify something previously mentioned. It is often used in legal or formal writing to provide precise details or examples.
Synonyms
namely, specifically, that is to say.
Examples of usage
- The committee, videlicet, the members of the board, will meet next week.
- There are three types of carbohydrates, videlicet: sugars, starches, and fibers.
- He has a few hobbies, videlicet, painting and hiking.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Usage
- Often used in legal or formal writings to introduce clarifications or specific enumerations.
- Serves as a bridge in complex sentences to enhance comprehension.
- In academic contexts, it helps in precisely defining terms or examples.
Literature
- Used by Shakespeare and other writers to elevate the language of their texts.
- Its inclusion can add a humorous contrast when used in casual conversations.
- Dante employed similar clarifying phrases in his works, emphasizing the importance of understanding.
Modern Language
- Despite its Latin roots, 'videlicet' is increasingly rare in everyday speech but remains popular in legal documents.
- Language enthusiasts enjoy incorporating 'videlicet' to make their writing sound more sophisticated.
- Information technology fields sometimes use 'videlicet' in software documentation to clarify procedures or terminologies.
Origin of 'videlicet'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from Latin, where it means 'to see clearly.'
- It combines 'vide' meaning 'to see' and 'licet,' meaning 'it is permitted' or 'it is allowed.'
- The use of the word in English dates back to the late 14th century.
The term 'videlicet' comes from the Latin phrase 'videre licet', which means 'it is permissible to see'. This phrase was commonly used in legal documents and writings during the medieval period as a means of providing clarity and precision. Over time, 'videlicet' was adopted into English as a formal adverb, primarily used in texts that require exactitude or specificity. Its use has generally been confined to formal or academic contexts, and it often appears in legal documents, scholarly articles, and writings that demand clarity. The word reflects an emphasis on precision in communication, making it a useful term for writers and speakers who wish to delineate their statements clearly.