specifically

specifically — adverb

1. done for one particular reason or purpose rather than for any other; not general

1.adverbB1
Definition

done for one particular reason or purpose rather than for any other; not generally or accidentally.

Example

Charlotte chose that cooking class specifically to learn how to make pasta.

The new bus route was designed specifically for students who live far from campus.

passive: be designed specifically for [group]

Common collocations
  • specifically designed
  • specifically created
  • specifically intended for
  • specifically chosen
  • specifically aimed at
Synonyms
  • particularly

    Can overlap with 'specifically' in purpose contexts, but 'particularly' often adds emphasis rather than stating a deliberate aim

  • expressly

    More formal; emphasises that something was done with clear intention, often in writing or instructions

  • especially

    More common in everyday speech, but can be ambiguous between 'for that purpose' and 'more than others'

Antonyms
  • generally

    Without focusing on one particular purpose or detail

Grammar Patterns

specifically + for + noun phrase

specifically + to-infinitive

specifically + because + clause

Usage Note

Typically placed after the main verb or after the subject. Common with passive structures (be designed / be created / be made specifically). The purpose is often introduced by for, to, or because.

Common Mistakes

She bought the dress especially for the wedding' (when meaning purpose).
She bought the dress specifically for the wedding.
'especially' means 'more than others'; 'specifically' means 'for that purpose.'

2. in a clear, exact, and detailed way — used to state precisely which thing or per

2.adverbB1
Definition

in a clear, exact, and detailed way — used to state precisely which thing or person you mean, or to add more exact information to something you have just said.

Example

The instructions state specifically that the medicine must be taken with food.

state + that-clause for exact information

Lukas asked the tour guide to explain more specifically what the package included.

Common collocations
  • specifically state
  • specifically mention
  • specifically refer to
  • specifically ask
  • more specifically
  • specifically which
  • specifically how
Synonyms
  • precisely

    Emphasises exactness that could be measured or pinpointed; stronger on numerical or factual accuracy

  • explicitly

    Suggests something is stated in clear, direct terms with no room for confusion; stronger on openness and directness

  • exactly

    The most common everyday word for precise description; less formal than 'specifically'

Antonyms
  • vaguely

    In a way that is not clear or detailed

  • roughly

    Approximately, not exactly

Grammar Patterns

verb + specifically + wh-clause

or more specifically + [precise version]

specifically + [clause elaborating on a previous statement]

Usage Note

Often used as a sentence adverb to introduce elaboration: you make a general statement and then add more specifically to give the precise details. Unlike sense 1, this sense does not express purpose — it expresses precision of description.

Common Mistakes

I specifically mean the red one, not the blue one.' (when giving precise reference).
I mean the red one specifically, not the blue one.
when used for precise identification, 'specifically' typically follows the noun or verb it modifies, or introduces the clause.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/2

Specifically, precisely, and explicitly all describe ways of giving clear information, but they differ in emphasis. Specifically focuses on singling out one particular thing or giving exact details about it: 'He mentioned specifically which chapters need revision.' Precisely stresses accuracy to the point of measurability: 'The temperature was set at precisely twenty-two degrees.' Explicitly means something is stated in open, direct terms with nothing left to guess: 'She explicitly told them not to enter the lab alone.' Particularly overlaps with specifically in some contexts but leans toward 'especially' or 'in particular' rather than exactness: 'I was looking for a red dress, particularly one with long sleeves.' Use specifically when you mean 'to name one exact thing among others' — it is the most natural choice for adding clarifying detail after a general statement.

specifically ↗precisely ↗explicitly ↗particularly ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • more specifically
  • quite specifically
  • very specifically
  • specifically enough

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Formed from the adjective specific (from Latin specificus, from species meaning 'kind, sort' and facere meaning 'to make or do') plus the adverb-forming suffix -ally. The word entered English in the early 17th century meaning 'in a specific manner,' and by the 19th century it had developed the distinct sense of 'for a particular purpose.'