specifically
Americanadverb
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in a definite or precise manner.
The suspect was not specifically named in the report. More specifically, you will be responsible for half the total cost.
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with an exact use or purpose in mind.
The manual is written specifically for nonexperts.
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with reference to qualities that are peculiar or proper to someone or something.
Our classes are specifically different from other yoga programs.
Etymology
Origin of specifically
First recorded in 1620–25; specific ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Explanation
Specifically means particularly, or regarding one option out of several. You specifically requested that your birthday cake be chocolate with raspberry icing, so you were quite disappointed with the vanilla cake you were served instead. The adverb specifically comes from the Latin specificus, and shares a root with special and species. If you specifically choose something, you have made a special choice about it. If you single something out specifically, it's particularly significant. A documentary about this history of childhood might have been a real eye-opener, specifically the part about how kids used to go to work at 12 or younger.
Vocabulary lists containing specifically
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney
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Because of Winn-Dixie
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The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The agents were not specifically told to hack others on OpenAI’s behalf, but the agents had been incentivized to hack other systems during in-house development, and they were being informed by erratic LLMs.
From Slate ● Sep. 15, 2026
For cybersecurity companies specifically, Materne said the fearful commentary on AI “further reinforces the durability of security spend,” given cybersecurity’s growing role in enabling AI deployments.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 14, 2026
Rayner added she was not commenting specifically on Delo and Harborne as she did not "understand" their "circumstances".
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026
Its first gambit might be humor, specifically anti-antisemitic jokes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
Since it wasn’t specifically a water monster song, the people around him shouldn’t be in danger from it.
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
