expressly

[ ik-spres-lee ]

adverb

1. for the particular or specific purpose; specially:

   I came expressly to see you.

2. in a clear, direct, or definite manner; explicitly:

   I asked him expressly to stop talking.

expressly

/ ɪkˈsprɛslɪ /

adverb

1. for an express purpose; with specific intentions
2. plainly, exactly, or unmistakably

Other Words From

• unex·pressly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of expressly¹

A Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; express, -ly

Example Sentences

Jannetta said Metro “expressly prohibits retaliation,” adding that employees have multiple ways to report such issues, and it can be done confidentially.

From Washington Post

State employees have been expressly forbidden from traveling over the holiday, and officials have urged everyone else to avoid it if possible.

From Time

If adopted, Virginia will become the 19th state to expressly include coverage for gender-affirming care under their Medicaid program, according to Williams Institute data.

From Washington Blade

Conversely, the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act expressly prohibits payment for organ donations.

From No Straight News

For marketers in these sectors, the business impact is likely to be minimal and may even improve performance by limiting exposure to users who expressly opt out.

From Search Engine Land

If this is what Congress intended, all that is needed is for Congress to clarify that expressly.

From The Daily Beast

Many insurance contracts expressly consider civil unrest a reason not to pay out policies.

From The Daily Beast

Other laws, such as the aptly named Dictionary Act, expressly do so.

From The Daily Beast

Yes, but the problem is that Republican policies are expressly limiting that potential.

From The Daily Beast

It is the reason the Constitution expressly forbids denying “equal Suffrage in the Senate.”

From The Daily Beast

A principal is liable for the statements and representations of his agent that have been expressly authorized.

From Project Gutenberg

He has no authority to warrant the quality of property sold except custom or authority is expressly given to him.

From Project Gutenberg

The English authorities expressly allege a deliberate purpose on Bruce's part to rid himself of his rival.

From Project Gutenberg

I learnt it—I can hardly tell you how I learnt it—by implication, I think; for it was never expressly told me.

From Project Gutenberg

The Chinese admire this flower so much, that they have ponds dug in their gardens expressly for it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• categorically
• explicitly
• plainly
• pointedly
• specifically
• unequivocally
• unmistakably