specifically
Americanadverb
-
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.
-
with an exact use or purpose in mind.
The manual is written specifically for nonexperts.
-
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Because of Winn-Dixie
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
San Cha was born in San José, then moved to San Francisco, where she was taken in by the Bay Area drag scene — specifically by her drag mother Per Sia, who’s still there.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026
No federal law specifically governs these models in the United States.
From Barron's ● Oct. 1, 2026
That said, exercises that target grip strength specifically aren’t useless.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
The H-alpha signature becomes visible only when astronomers examine the gas specifically along the direction of the jets.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 30, 2026
I specifically remember not telling her because I didn’t want her to say, once again, that finding out who this person was wasn’t important.
From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks
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.
