ENGLISH
REFERENCE

surgically

adv. manner
C1 Advanced US //ˈsɝdʒɪkəɫi// UK //sˈɜːdʒɪkli// sur·gi·cal·ly

adv. in a way that is very precise and careful, like a doctor performing an operation. It can describe medical work or any action done with extreme accuracy.

adv. performed with the precision, care, or methods associated with surgery. Often used metaphorically to describe actions executed with clinical accuracy or minimal collateral damage.


SIMPLE

The doctor surgically repaired the damaged tissue.

CONTEXTUAL

The military strike was surgically precise, hitting the intended target without damaging the surrounding residential buildings.

COMPLEX

The legal team surgically dismantled the witness's testimony, identifying every minor inconsistency until the entire narrative lost its credibility in the eyes of the jury.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or precedes a past participle used as an adjective.

© 2026 English Reference