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specifically

specifically

950 3.2
Shows one particular thing in a clear, exact way
  • adverb
  • /spəˈsɪfɪkli/
translation icon : específicamente
  • I need to know specifically what time the meeting starts.
  • more specifically
  • specifically designed
  • specifically focused

So lactose is a sugar that is specifically found in cow's milk.

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Examples

  • So tell us more specifically what your company does.

  • Additionally, colleges and universities increasingly are developing and funding programs specifically aimed at student retention.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Yes, but I did not know specifically where they were.

  • And these questions are specifically for the boys.

  • After I specifically asked you not to.

  • I have come back specifically to help you solve your funds problem

  • One, yes, the invitation specifically stated it was a wedding.

  • John and Kathy specifically asked me to come back this year.

  • So lactose is a sugar that is specifically found in cow's milk.

    ZOE
  • In "Elements of the Interhuman," Buber focused specifically on his concept of "the Between."

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

exactly
vsspecifically
1.0

In a completely correct way

focuses on singling out or distinguishing one item rather than pure accuracy
especially
vsspecifically
1.0

Shows that something is more true of one person or thing than others

adds precise, exact focus to the singled item rather than general emphasis

Antonyms

1.0

Usually or in most cases

115 3.9

Not clearly or with few details

How Specific

exactly
1.0
precisely
124 3.7
specifically
950 3.2
generally
1.0
broadly
26 2.7
vaguely
115 3.9

Surface Forms

specifically positive

Morphology

specifically = specific (transparent) = specific + ally

Formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-ally' to 'specific', yielding 'in a specific or precise way', which is directly derivable.

Etymology

Specifically comes from specific, which comes from species meaning 'a particular kind' and the root spec- meaning 'to look', as in inspect. So, to say something specifically is to point to one exact thing or detail among others.