notably

notably — adverb

1. used to draw attention to a particular example that is more important or more ty

1.adverbB2
Definition

used to draw attention to a particular example that is more important or more typical than other possible ones

Example

The gallery displays works by several modern artists, notably Èlise's large metal sculpture.

notably + noun phrase giving specific example

Notably, the report did not address the main concerns raised by local residents.

sentence-initial notably flags important omission

Common collocations
  • most notably
  • notably absent
  • notably missing
Synonyms
  • especially

    the most common and least formal alternative; works in the same grammatical positions

  • particularly

    slightly more formal than 'especially'; emphasises the specific case

  • chiefly

    more formal and less frequent; often used in written lists or explanations

  • above all

    more emphatic; placed at the end or beginning of a statement rather than before a noun

Grammar Patterns

notably + [noun phrase]

most notably + [noun phrase]

Notably, + [clause]

Usage Note

Frequently appears immediately before the specific example being highlighted. Can also begin a sentence to signal that an important point follows. The intensifier most notably is common in formal writing. Do not use this sense to mean 'noticeably' (see sense 2).

Common Mistakes

The book covers many topics, notably.
The book covers many topics, notably climate change and education reform.
When used to mean 'especially,' notably must be followed by a specific example or fact.
The weather was notably cold yesterday.
The weather was especially cold yesterday.' or ✅ 'The weather was notably colder than last week.
If you mean 'noticeably,' use sense 2. If you mean 'as an important example,' use sense 1 with a follow-up example.

2. to a degree that is clearly noticeable and deserves attention — used when a diff

2.adverbB2
Definition

to a degree that is clearly noticeable and deserves attention — used when a difference, quality, or change is large enough to be easily seen or felt

Example

The second edition of the textbook is notably different in both structure and tone.

notably + adjective (different)

Yara's confidence improved notably after she presented her research at the conference.

verb + notably for degree of change

Common collocations
  • notably different
  • notably improved
  • notably better
  • notably higher
  • notably absent
  • improved notably
  • increased notably
Synonyms
  • noticeably

    nearly identical in meaning; slightly more literal — emphasises that something can be seen or sensed

  • significantly

    adds a sense of importance or consequence beyond mere visibility

  • remarkably

    carries a tone of surprise or admiration for the degree of change

  • strikingly

    more emphatic and visual; suggests the change is so clear it draws immediate attention

Antonyms
  • slightly

    to a small or insignificant degree

  • barely

    almost to no degree; hard to notice at all

Grammar Patterns

notably + [adjective]

notably + [comparative adjective]

[verb] + notably

Usage Note

Typically modifies adjectives (notably different, notably successful), comparative forms (notably better, notably higher), or stative verbs describing change (improved notably, increased notably). Uncommon with momentary action verbs ('She notably smiled' sounds unnatural). Can be positioned either before the adjective or after the verb, with no change in meaning.

Common Mistakes

He notably walked to the door.
He walked notably faster than before.
In this sense, notably needs a quality or change that is measurable, not a simple action.
The results were notably.
The results were notably different.' or ✅ 'The results improved notably.
Notably is not a complete predicate; it must modify an adjective, comparative, or verb.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/2

These four adverbs all describe changes or qualities that stand out, but each carries a different shade. Noticeably is the closest to notably and focuses on sensory perception — if something changed in a way you can see, hear, or feel, it changed noticeably. Significantly adds the idea of importance or consequence: a significantly higher score matters beyond just being bigger. Remarkably brings in mild surprise or admiration — a remarkably fast recovery is both fast and unexpected. Strikingly is the most dramatic: a strikingly beautiful view grabs your attention immediately. Use notably when you want a neutral, factual tone about a clear difference. Use noticeably when the focus is on actual perception. Use significantly in formal or data-driven contexts. Use remarkably or strikingly when you want to express a stronger reaction.

noticeably ↗significantly ↗remarkably ↗strikingly

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • most notably

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Notably is formed by adding the adverb suffix -ly to the adjective notable, which came into English from Middle French notable, meaning 'worthy of notice.' The French word traces back to Latin notabilis (remarkable, worthy of attention), from notare (to mark, to note), which itself comes from nota (a mark, a sign, a written character). The core idea has always been about something that stands out enough to be marked or noticed.