specifically

adverb

spe·​cif·​i·​cal·​ly spi-ˈsi-fi-k(ə-)lē 

1

: in a specific manner : in a definite and exact way : with precision

instructed them specifically on how to proceed

the people specifically named in the report

The reasons for the change were not specifically mentioned.

I specifically told her not to bother you.

Knead the bread dough for several minutes, or, more specifically, until it forms a smooth ball.

2

—used to indicate the exact identity, purpose, or use of something

The show is aimed specifically at a female audience.

Specifically, the stores are lowering the height of store shelving, changing out signs, repainting some areas and … putting products next to each other that customers typically buy together.

—Jill Rick

Synonyms

• especially
• notably
• particularly
• specially

Examples of specifically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At least with this season specifically, Kevon Looney is an obvious X-factor. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024

The Pi runs a bespoke operating system developed by Glen Langston at the US National Science Foundation, specifically for observing the 21-centimeter hydrogen line and processing the data from it. —The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024

Trump’s tariff proposals are sweeping, with a broad 10% to 20% tariff on imports from all nations, alongside a much steeper 60% to 100% tariff specifically targeting goods from China. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024

Deprivation of rights specifically refers to being free from unreasonable search and seizure, established in the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. —Austin Mullen, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1