Meaning & use
specifically
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Meanings
adverbnot comparable
Used to point to one particular thing or person, narrowing down a general statement.
Grammar: Often placed before the detail it picks out: I mean specifically the red one.
Patterns
- specifically for something
- specifically about something
I'm interested in birds, specifically owls.
The meeting is about safety, specifically fire exits.
The tool was designed specifically for left-handed users.
adverbnot comparable
In a clear, exact, and detailed way, leaving nothing unclear.
Grammar: Often modifies verbs like ask, state, or mention.
Patterns
- specifically ask
- specifically state
I specifically asked for no onions.
The contract specifically states that payment is due on Friday.
She was specifically told not to open the box.
Common combinations
- specifically designed
- The shoes are specifically designed for trail running.
- specifically mention
- He did not specifically mention the delay.
- more specifically
- We need help, more specifically with the website.
- specifically ask
- I specifically asked you to be on time.
- not specifically
- The rules do not specifically forbid it.
Synonyms and how they differ
- particularly
- Particularly can mean especially, whereas specifically points to one exact item.
- especially
- Especially stresses degree or importance, while specifically stresses focus on a single case.
- precisely
- Precisely emphasizes accuracy and exactness, while specifically emphasizes the narrowing of a category.
- explicitly
- Explicitly stresses that something was stated openly and clearly, not merely implied.
Opposites
Word family
- specific adjective
- clear, particular, and exact
- specify verb
- to state exactly
- specification noun
- a detailed description of requirements
- specificity noun
- the quality of being specific
Commonly confused: specifically or specially?
specifically vs specially
Specially means for a special purpose, as in specially made, and often overlaps with specifically; but specifically is the better choice when you narrow to an exact thing.
Practice
I want to learn about the Roman Empire, ___ its army.
Choose one answer.
Specifically narrows a broad topic to one particular part. Generally and vaguely do the opposite, and rarely does not fit the meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “specifically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.