Word
specifically
Phoneticsspecif·i·cal·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/spəˈsɪfɪkɫi/
UK/spəsˈɪfɪkli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01exactly or particularly
B1 · Intermediate
adv. in a clear and exact way, or referring to one particular thing.
adv. in a precise manner; used to single out a particular item or to provide explicit detail.
“The doctor specifically told me to avoid sugar for the next month.”
“The report specifically mentions the lack of funding as the primary cause for the project's delay.”
Usage
Often placed before the verb it modifies or at the beginning of a clause for emphasis.
Pitfall
I specifically to told you not to go.
I specifically told you not to go.
Do not place 'to' between the adverb and the main verb in a simple past or present tense sentence.
Synonyms
02for a certain purpose
B1 · Intermediate
adv. for one special reason or use and no other.
adv. for a designated or unique purpose; intended for a restricted use-case.
“This software was designed specifically for small business owners.”
“The architect designed the ventilation system specifically to handle the high humidity of the indoor swimming pool.”
Usage
Frequently followed by the preposition 'for' or a 'to' infinitive.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “specifically” in context.
Verb
01. specifically address
“The new law will specifically address the issue of plastic waste in the ocean.”
adv + verb
02. specifically apply
“These rules specifically apply to students living in the university dorms.”
adv + verb
03. specifically ask
“I did specifically ask for a non-smoking room when I made the reservation.”
adv + verb
04. specifically associate
“Many people specifically associate this brand with high-quality outdoor gear.”
adv + verb
05. specifically concern
“The new safety regulations specifically concern workers in the construction industry.”
adv + verb
06. specifically consider
“We need to specifically consider the costs before we make a final decision.”
adv + verb
07. specifically deal
“This department was created to specifically deal with customer complaints.”
adv + verb
08. specifically define
“The contract needs to specifically define the responsibilities of each partner.”
adv + verb
09. specifically design
“These chairs are specifically designed to support your back while you work.”
adv + verb
10. specifically develop
“This software was specifically developed to help small businesses manage their taxes.”
adv + verb
11. specifically designed
12. rejection specifically
Etymology
From specific + -ally.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/specifically