Pronunciation: [nˈe͡ɪmd ˈɑːɡjuːmənt] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "named argument" can be broken down into its individual phonemes. Firstly, we have the "n" sound /n/, followed by the "ey" vowel sound /eɪ/. The next sound is the "m" consonant sound /m/, then the "d" sound /d/ and finally the "ar" sound which is a combination of the "ah" /ɑː/ and "r" /ɹ/ sounds. The phonetic transcription for "named argument" is /neɪmd ˈɑːɡjumənt/.
Named argument is a term used in computer programming and software development to refer to a feature of programming languages or interfaces that allows parameters or arguments to be passed to a function or method by explicitly specifying their names. In this context, an argument refers to the input or data that is passed to a function or method to perform a specific operation or calculation.
When using named arguments, the caller of a function or method can assign values to parameters by specifying the parameter name followed by a colon and the value associated with it. This provides a way to provide arguments to a function in any order, regardless of their position in the function's signature. It allows for more intuitive and self-explanatory code, as the parameters can be explicitly named and assigned values, making the code more readable and maintainable.
Named arguments offer flexibility in situations where there are a large number of parameters or when some of the parameters have default values. By explicitly naming the arguments, it becomes easier to understand the purpose of each parameter, reducing the likelihood of errors and misunderstandings.
The use of named arguments can also enhance code reusability, as the function or method can be called with only the necessary parameters specified, omitting the rest. This means that the function can have optional parameters that can be left out if not required, making the code more adaptable and modular.
In summary, named arguments are a powerful programming feature that allows for the explicit naming and assignment of values to parameters when calling functions or methods, resulting in more readable, flexible, and reusable code.
The term "named argument" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of two English words. "Named" is the past participle of the verb "name", which means to assign a particular word or phrase as a designation for someone or something. "Argument" in this context refers to a value or expression passed to a function, method, or procedure. Therefore, "named argument" simply refers to a type of argument that is identified by a name or label instead of a position.
