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.
And that’s even before deducting the extra costs related specifically to real estate like property taxes, condo fees, maintenance, insurance, sales commissions and so on.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026
The researchers compared wild-type mice with mice in which OPA1 had been specifically removed from MC4R neurons.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 13, 2026
But I think with Agnes specifically, I really love the amount of love that she has for her friends, because that’s something that I feel very strongly about.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
The motorcycle is thought to be a DKW NZ 350-1 model, the organisation said, which was produced specifically for wartime use from 1944.
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026
I also started reading about sports figures in the newspapers, specifically about Jackie Robinson.
From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals
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.
