Specifically
/spɪˈsɪfɪkli/
Definitions
2 meaningsIn a clear and precise manner; explicitly; with attention to detail.
/spɪˈsɪfɪkli/
In a precise and detailed manner.
She asked him to describe the events specifically.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're giving instructions and want someone to know exactly what you want. Instead of saying 'Do this,' you'd say, 'Specifically, do this, then this, and then that.'
👶 For kids: When you want to explain something exactly, you use the word "specifically." Like, "Can you give me the blue crayon, specifically the one with the star on it?"
More Examples
The instructions were written specifically for beginners.
The company's policy outlines the consequences specifically.
How It's Used
"I need you to describe the problem specifically, not just generally."
"The contract outlines the deliverables specifically."
"The study was designed to test this hypothesis specifically."
For a particular reason or purpose; with regard to a particular thing; particularly.
/spɪˈsɪfɪkli/
For a particular reason or purpose.
This course is designed specifically for beginners.
💡 Simply: When you do something just because you want to do it for a certain reason. Like, "I went to the park specifically to see the ducks."
👶 For kids: "Specifically" also means you did something for a special reason! "I came to your party specifically to eat cake!"
More Examples
He saved that money specifically for a new car.
The meeting was called specifically to address the issue.
How It's Used
"I bought this book specifically for my trip."
"He called her specifically to apologize."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
specifically speaking
To be very clear or precise.
"Specifically speaking, I am very tired."
From Late Latin specificē, from specificus (specific) + -ē (adverbial suffix). Specificus itself derives from species (kind, type) and facere (to make).
The word 'specifically' has been used since the 17th century, evolving from its Latin roots to refine its meaning of precision and detail.
Memory tip
Think of a magnifying glass. 'Specifically' means looking at the details, not just the big picture.
Word Origin
"of a particular kind"