Specifically: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：for a specific purpose (specifically)

specifically 🔊

/spəˈsɪfɪkli/

adv.

In a detailed and exact way, for a particular purpose or thing.

Woman reading shampoo label for sensitive skin specifically

for a specific purpose 🔊

➕

/fɔːr ə spəˈsɪfɪk ˈpɜːrpəs/

adv.

Used to indicate that something is intended or designed for one particular thing, not general use.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'species' (kind) + 'facere' (to make), via specific + -ally.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'SPECIES + IFIC' – imagine naming a specific species of plant food.

📖 Example

The instructions on the plant food say it's specifically for green leafy plants. 🔊 The instructions on the plant food say it's specifically for green leafy plants.

🔗 Collocations

specifically designed for – created only for a certain purpose

specifically mentioned – stated in detail and with exact reference

specifically targeted at – aimed at a particular group or thing

🔄 Synonyms

particularly (adv.) – in a way that relates to one specific person or thing

especially (adv.) – used to single out one person or thing over others

exclusively (adv.) – only for a particular purpose or group

🚫 Antonyms

generally (adv.) – in a way that applies to most cases, not one specific thing

broadly (adv.) – in a wide or general sense, not narrowly defined

vaguely (adv.) – in an unclear or indefinite way

🌱 Derivatives

specific (adj.) – clearly defined or identified

specification (n.) – a detailed description of requirements

specify (v.) – to state something precisely

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'species' through French 'specifique', this adverb emerged in the 17th century to denote precise reference, now common in instructions and scientific contexts.