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REFERENCE

specifically

adv. manner
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //spəˈsɪfɪkɫi// UK //spəsˈɪfɪkli// specif·i·cal·ly General-service

adv. used to point out one exact thing or reason rather than talking about things in general. You use this when you want to be very clear about a certain detail.

adv. in a way that is exact and clear; for a particular purpose or reason. Often used to narrow the focus of a statement or to highlight a unique instance.


SIMPLE

I bought this gift specifically for you.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor designed this exercise program specifically to help patients recovering from knee surgery.

COMPLEX

While the report addresses general safety concerns, it specifically highlights the lack of emergency exits in the older wings of the building.

Antonyms
Origin

From specific + -ally.

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective or verb it modifies, or at the start of a clause for emphasis.

Pitfall

I specifically to told youI specifically told youLearners sometimes insert 'to' after the adverb when it precedes a verb, confusing it with an infinitive structure.

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