Notably means especially or in particular; it can also mean noticeably. Several costs fell, notably printing and delivery. The second room is notably quieter. Notably absent means someone's absence stands out: The minister was notably absent. It's common in news and reports.
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notably / most notably + important example; notably + adjective / comparative
- Several costs fell, notably printing and delivery.
- The second room is notably quieter than the first.
- Notably, every participant finished the final task.
What changed
First versionThe evening service is notable slower than the morning one.
RevisionThe evening service is notably slower than the morning one.
Notable and notably sound almost the same, so the adjective often turns up where the adverb belongs: notable slower. Before a comparative adjective, you need the adverb: notably slower.
Namely gives the full list: two costs, namely printing and delivery. Notably picks out only the most striking item from a longer list: Several costs fell, notably printing. Noticeably means 'easy to see or hear': noticeably quieter.
Your turn
Choose the form that modifies quieter: The new classroom is ___ quieter.
Show the answer
notably — Quieter is a comparative adjective, and it's modified by the adverb notably. Notable would need a noun: a notable change.
Describe what has changed at your work or in your neighbourhood over the past year, and pick out the most noticeable change with notably.
Several things have improved at work, notably the coffee.
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