ENGLISH
REFERENCE

expressly

adv. manner
C1 Advanced US //ɛksˈpɹɛsɫi// UK //ɛkspɹˈɛsli// ex·press·ly

adv. clearly and specifically stated so there is no doubt. You use it when someone does something for one exact reason.

adv. in an explicit, clear, and definite manner; specifically for a particular purpose.


SIMPLE

The rules expressly forbid smoking in the building.

CONTEXTUAL

The contract expressly states that the deposit is non-refundable if the client cancels within forty-eight hours.

COMPLEX

The constitutional amendment was designed expressly to protect the rights of minority groups who had previously been excluded from the democratic process.

Origin

From express + -ly.

Usage

Often used to modify verbs of communication like 'state', 'forbid', or 'mention'.

Pitfall

He expressively told me to wait.He expressly told me to wait.Learners confuse 'expressly' (clearly stated) with 'expressively' (showing a lot of emotion or feeling).

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