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. )
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 first lady called on Congress to “act” and hold “a public hearing specifically centered around the survivors.”
From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026
The company said its new Project Glasswing initiative allows select companies access to its Claude Mythos2 Preview frontier model, specifically for defensive cybersecurity work.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
"So I can comment about India in general, but not IndiGo specifically."
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
“These OIG reports are based on a very small subset of specifically selected nursing homes and are not indicative of national trends,” Holly Harmon, a vice president of the trade association AHCA/NCAL, tells MarketWatch.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026
I hadn’t specifically said DC before, but all it took was a peek at the schedule to figure out the location.
From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows
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.
