English: Notably
Etymology
From Middle English notably, equivalent to notable + -ly.
Pronunciation
In General American English: /ˈnoʊ.t̬ə.bli/ (NOH-tuh-blee), with primary stress on the first syllable. In Received Pronunciation (British): /ˈnəʊ.tə.bli/. The word has three syllables, and the “-ly” ending is lightly pronounced.
Meaning
As an adverb, notably means in a notable or remarkable way; especially or particularly. It highlights something significant or worthy of attention, often used to emphasize an example or contrast.
Morphology
Notably is formed by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective notable, which derives from Latin notabilis (“worthy of being known”), from notare (“to note” or “mark”). This suffix commonly converts adjectives into adverbs indicating manner.
Grammar Notes
Notably is an adverb of manner or focus, typically placed at the beginning of a clause for emphasis (e.g., “Notably, he arrived late”) or mid-sentence before the verb it modifies. It does not change form for tense or number and is non-gradable in casual use, though comparatives like “more notably” exist in formal contexts.
Examples
- Simple sentence: The painting is notably bright.
- Medium sentence: Notably, the concert started on time despite the rain.
- Complex sentence: While many artists struggled during the pandemic, the young musician, notably resilient in her approach, released a hit album that topped the charts.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Common Combinations
Synonyms: especially, particularly, significantly, remarkably.
Antonyms: insignificantly, ordinarily, unremarkably.
Common combinations: notably absent (someone missing from an event), notably different (clearly distinct), notably successful (strikingly accomplished). It pairs well with adjectives like “effective” or “influential” in formal writing.
Interesting Facts
The root “note” connects to ideas of observation, as in “notebook” or “notation.” Historically, “notable” referred to prominent people, like courtiers in medieval times, evolving into modern usage for emphasis in journalism and literature. In Scots English, it appears similarly as notably, with comparatives like mair notably, reflecting dialectal influences from Old English.
Cultural or Contextual Features
Notably is common in academic, journalistic, and formal speech to draw attention without overstatement—think BBC reports or essays. In American English, it’s punchier for highlighting contrasts, as in political debates (e.g., “Notably, the policy ignored climate change”). It adds sophistication to writing but can sound stiff in casual talk.
Tips to Learn It Easier
Link notably to “note-worthy”—something you make a mental note of because it’s special. Practice by underlining “notably” in news articles. Mnemonic: “No table? Notably uncomfortable!” to remember its emphasis on standout features. Read aloud with stress on the first syllable to build muscle memory.
Mini-Tasks for Practice
- Create a simple sentence using notably to describe a friend’s talent.
- Find a synonym for notably (e.g., “especially”) and rewrite this sentence: “The film was successful.” Make it: “The film was notably successful.”
- Spot the error: “She sings notably good.” (Correct to: “She sings notably well.”) Explain why.
- List three common combinations with notably and use one in your own medium-length sentence.