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
• particularly
• notably
• specially

Examples of specifically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Weather warnings are still in place for the region, with 4 to 8 inches of snow expected to fall in areas above 4,500 ft—specifically in the Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon and the Northwest Blue Mountains in Washington, through to Monday. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

Made specifically for animal hair and other pet messes, this Dyson is easy to move around, has a brush made to detangle hair, and whole-machine filtration. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2025

The Ohio State team specifically focused on shiitake and button mushrooms, cultivating the fungi before dehydrating them for long-term viability. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025

The share of customers using delivery specifically, as opposed to picking up takeout or going to a drive-through, more than doubled from 2019 to 2024. —Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for specifically

• prolifically
• terrifically