specifically
You use specifically to talk about one particular thing or to give exact details.
Explanation at your level:
You use specifically when you want to choose one thing. If you like many colors, but you love blue, you can say: 'I specifically like blue.' It helps people understand exactly what you mean. You use it when you don't want to be general. It is a very helpful word for being clear.
When you are talking to friends, you might want to be clear about your plans. You can use specifically to point out one detail. For example, 'I specifically asked for a window seat on the plane.' This shows you had a clear request. It makes your English sound more natural and precise.
At this level, you can use specifically to explain the 'why' behind your actions. Maybe you bought a gift specifically for your friend's birthday. It is also great for clarifying instructions. If someone is confused, you can say, 'Let me explain more specifically.' It helps you organize your thoughts and ensures the listener understands your main point.
In professional or academic settings, specifically is a key tool for nuance. You use it to narrow down a broad topic. For instance, 'The report covers climate change, and specifically, its impact on coastal cities.' It shows you can differentiate between a general subject and a focused area of study. It adds authority to your writing and speaking.
At the advanced level, specifically functions as a discourse marker. You use it to transition from a general observation to a granular analysis. It is essential when you need to distinguish between similar concepts or justify a unique choice. Using it effectively demonstrates that you are capable of high-level precision and logical structuring in your arguments. It is the hallmark of a confident, articulate speaker.
Mastery of specifically involves understanding its role in defining scope and intent. In literary or legal contexts, it is used to eliminate ambiguity, ensuring that only one interpretation is possible. It can also be used for emphasis, highlighting that a particular element was chosen with great care. When you use it at this level, you are demonstrating a command over the exactitude of the English language, showing that you can navigate complex ideas with pinpoint accuracy and intentionality.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to narrow down information.
- Essential for being clear.
- Adverb form of specific.
- Common in professional and daily life.
Hey there! Let's talk about specifically. Think of this word as your linguistic magnifying glass. When you use it, you are zooming in on a single detail, person, or object, ignoring everything else to make your point crystal clear.
It is incredibly useful in both casual chats and professional settings. If someone asks, 'What do you want to eat?' and you say 'I want food,' that is very general. But if you say, 'I specifically want a pepperoni pizza,' you have removed all doubt. You are being precise and intentional.
In an academic or work environment, this word helps you avoid ambiguity. It shows that you have thought about your requirements or observations carefully. Using specifically tells your listener that you aren't just guessing—you have a distinct, focused point to make.
The word specifically has a rich history tied to the Latin language. It comes from the Latin word specificus, which combines species (meaning 'kind' or 'appearance') and facere (meaning 'to make'). So, originally, it meant 'making a kind' or 'constituting a species.'
Over time, it entered Middle French as spécifique before landing in English during the 17th century. It shifted from describing biological 'species' to describing the act of being 'specific' or 'particular' about something. It is fascinating how a word that once described how things were categorized in nature now helps us order our coffee or explain a complex project at work!
You will often see specifically paired with verbs like 'designed,' 'created,' or 'mentioned.' For example, 'This tool was specifically designed for beginners.' This collocation highlights the purpose behind an object.
In formal writing, it is common to start a sentence with 'Specifically,' to introduce a more detailed explanation of a previous point. It acts as a bridge between a general statement and a concrete example. In casual speech, it's just as handy for clarifying instructions or preferences.
While specifically isn't an idiom itself, it is used in phrases that act like idioms. 1. Specifically speaking: Used to introduce a precise point. 2. Designed specifically for: Indicates a custom purpose. 3. Mentioned specifically: Highlights a particular item. 4. Specifically tailored: Means adjusted to fit a unique need. 5. Specifically chosen: Means hand-picked for a reason.
Grammatically, specifically is an adverb, so it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It is often placed before the verb it modifies, like 'I specifically asked for no onions.' Stress falls on the second syllable: spuh-SIF-ih-klee.
It rhymes with 'terrific-ly' or 'prolific-ly.' Be careful with the cluster of consonants in the middle! It’s easy to trip over the 'f' and 'k' sounds, so practice saying it slowly: spe-ci-fi-cal-ly.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'species'!
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'i' sounds.
The 't' is often soft.
Common Errors
- dropping the 'f'
- misplacing the stress
- saying 'pacifically'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to use
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adverb placement
I specifically want this.
Sentence connectors
Specifically, it is good.
Subject-verb agreement
He specifically asks.
Examples by Level
I specifically like apples.
I choose apples.
Adverb before verb.
She specifically wants this book.
She wants only this one.
Subject-verb agreement.
He specifically asked for water.
He requested water.
Past tense.
We specifically need this tool.
We need this one.
Modality.
They specifically chose this house.
They picked this house.
Adverb placement.
Specifically, I like blue.
To be precise, blue.
Opening sentence.
I specifically need your help.
Only your help.
Direct object.
The dog specifically likes meat.
Meat is his favorite.
Verb modifier.
I specifically told you to wait.
The class is specifically for beginners.
He specifically mentioned the time.
She specifically bought this dress.
We specifically planned this trip.
The rules specifically forbid running.
They specifically asked for quiet.
I specifically remember his name.
This app was specifically designed for students.
Specifically, what do you mean by that?
The study specifically looks at health.
I specifically requested a non-smoking room.
They were specifically invited to the party.
The law specifically protects children.
Specifically, we need more funding.
He specifically chose that path.
The policy specifically addresses workplace safety.
Specifically, the data shows a decline.
This medicine is specifically for migraines.
She was specifically trained for this role.
Specifically, I am worried about costs.
The book is specifically about history.
They specifically targeted the young audience.
Specifically, what are your goals?
The lecture specifically addressed the nuances of law.
Specifically, the author argues that change is vital.
This feature is specifically intended for power users.
We must specifically identify the root cause.
The artist specifically chose these colors.
Specifically, the results were inconclusive.
The contract specifically states the terms.
Specifically, how does this affect us?
The legislation specifically delineates the boundaries.
Specifically, the phenomenon remains unexplained.
The architect specifically curated the lighting.
Specifically, the argument hinges on this point.
He specifically articulated his grievances.
The research specifically highlights the correlation.
Specifically, the outcome was unexpected.
The treaty specifically mandates cooperation.
Synonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"To be specific"
Giving exact details
To be specific, I need $5.
neutral"Specifically speaking"
Regarding a particular point
Specifically speaking, we failed.
neutral"In specific terms"
Using precise language
In specific terms, it is broken.
formal"Specifically designed for"
Made for one purpose
It is specifically designed for you.
neutral"Specifically aimed at"
Targeted towards one group
The plan is specifically aimed at us.
neutral"Specifically for the purpose of"
With a clear goal
I came specifically for the purpose of helping.
formalEasily Confused
Similar spelling
Specially = for a special purpose; Specifically = precisely
I made this cake specially for you.
Similar meaning
Exactly = correct; Specifically = precise detail
That is exactly right.
Similar usage
Particularly = especially; Specifically = detailed
I am particularly happy.
Formal synonym
Explicitly = clearly stated; Specifically = narrowed down
He explicitly told me no.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + specifically + verb
I specifically asked for water.
Specifically, [clause]
Specifically, I need money.
Verb + specifically + for
It was designed specifically for me.
Specifically + adjective
The task is specifically difficult.
Subject + verb + specifically + prepositional phrase
He looked specifically at the data.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Specially means 'for a special reason,' specifically means 'precisely.'
Don't use it as 'um' or 'like.'
People often miss the 'i' after 'c'.
Putting it at the end can sound awkward.
Using it too much makes your speech repetitive.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Place a magnifying glass in your mental hallway to represent 'specifically'.
When Native Speakers Use It
When they want to avoid confusion.
Cultural Insight
English speakers value clarity in business.
Grammar Shortcut
Always keep it near the verb it describes.
Say It Right
Don't say 'pacifically'.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't confuse it with 'specially'.
Did You Know?
It comes from the Latin word for 'kind'.
Study Smart
Write 5 sentences about your day using it.
Writing Tip
Use it to transition to details.
Speaking Tip
Use it to slow down and clarify.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Spec-IF-i-cal-ly: I-F I can see it, I can be specific!
Visual Association
A magnifying glass focusing on one ant in a colony.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'specifically' three times today when asking for something.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: To make a kind
Cultural Context
None.
Very common in business and academic settings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- specifically requested
- specifically designed
- specifically mentioned
at school
- specifically regarding
- specifically focused
- specifically stated
travel
- specifically booked
- specifically asked
- specifically located
shopping
- specifically looking for
- specifically chosen
- specifically for
Conversation Starters
"What is one thing you specifically enjoy doing on weekends?"
"Can you tell me specifically what you need for this project?"
"Is there a place you specifically want to visit?"
"Specifically, why do you like this movie?"
"What are you specifically looking for in a friend?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you specifically asked for help.
Describe a gift you received that was specifically chosen for you.
What is a goal you have, and specifically, how will you reach it?
Describe a rule you specifically dislike.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, especially means 'particularly,' specifically means 'precisely.'
Yes, it is very common.
It fits in both formal and informal contexts.
S-p-e-c-i-f-i-c-a-l-l-y.
No, it is an adverb.
No, it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Yes, it is very common in English.
Specific.
Test Yourself
I ___ want the red one.
Specifically adds precision.
What does specifically mean?
It means to be precise.
Specifically is an adjective.
It is an adverb.
Word
Meaning
Synonyms.
Adverb before verb.
This rule was ___ created for safety.
Adverb needed.
Which sentence is best?
Most natural flow.
Specifically can be used to clarify.
It is a discourse marker.
The study ___ targets the elderly.
Precision required.
Choose the synonym.
Explicitly is a synonym.
Score: /10
Summary
Specifically is your go-to word for turning a general idea into a sharp, clear point.
- Used to narrow down information.
- Essential for being clear.
- Adverb form of specific.
- Common in professional and daily life.
Memory Palace Trick
Place a magnifying glass in your mental hallway to represent 'specifically'.
When Native Speakers Use It
When they want to avoid confusion.
Cultural Insight
English speakers value clarity in business.
Grammar Shortcut
Always keep it near the verb it describes.
Example
I specifically told you to lock the back door before you left.
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Learn it in Context
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