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specifically

adverb
spuh-SIF-ik-lee/spəˈsɪf.ɪ.k.li/

3 meanings of specifically

Practice

  1. 1
    to be exactadverb
    Used to give a more exact detail about what you have just said.

    He loves sweets, specifically chocolate cake.

    We need a bigger car, specifically one with room for three kids in the back.

    UsagePut it after a comma, just before the exact detail: sweets, specifically chocolate.

    Similarnamely, particularly

  2. 2
    adverb
    In a clear and exact way that names one particular thing.

    The teacher asked specifically for blue ink, not black.

    I wanted to know specifically which day the trip starts.

    UsageDo not mix it up with especially, which means "more than others."

    Similarexplicitly, clearly, expressly, plainly, unambiguously

    Oppositegenerally

  3. 3
    for one purposeadverb
    For one particular purpose or reason, not a general one.

    This tool was made specifically for cutting metal.

    We came here specifically to see the waterfall.

    UsageOften before for or to: made specifically for cutting metal.

    Similarexpressly, especially, particularly, purposely

    Oppositegenerally

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of specifically apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From the word "specific" plus the ending "-ally".

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact