specifically

adverb

spe·​cif·​i·​cal·​ly spi-ˈsi-fi-k(ə-)lē 

1

: in a specific manner : in a definite and exact way : with precision

instructed them specifically on how to proceed

the people specifically named in the report

The reasons for the change were not specifically mentioned.

I specifically told her not to bother you.

Knead the bread dough for several minutes, or, more specifically, until it forms a smooth ball.

2

—used to indicate the exact identity, purpose, or use of something

The show is aimed specifically at a female audience.

Specifically, the stores are lowering the height of store shelving, changing out signs, repainting some areas and … putting products next to each other that customers typically buy together.

—Jill Rick

Synonyms

• especially
• notably
• particularly
• specially

Examples of specifically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More specifically, the company issued an upward revision of its compound annual growth rate through 2029— expecting a 12% to 14% CAGR over the period. —Peter Cohan, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Her legal team specifically cited a ruling from the same year by the European Court of Human Rights, which concluded Knox’s rights to a lawyer and an interpreter were violated during her initial interrogations with Italian authorities. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025

For those who don’t want to experiment with different hair masks, Prose will create one that specifically targets your particular hair texture and concerns. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025

Most of the research ties these foods to colorectal cancer, specifically, but some evidence also suggests a link with elevated risk of other cancers like stomach, pancreatic, and prostate, Dr. Shams-White says. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1