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

The chats suggested that the Kinahans were importing drugs into Spain—specifically, the Port of Valencia—in shipments also carrying legitimate loads of coffee, beer, and machinery. —Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025

To stay ahead, LangChain expanded its product lineup, including LangSmith, an observability, monitoring, evaluation, and deployment platform built specifically for LLM applications and agents. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025

However, such use is generally legal, as long as rights holders are paid correctly; the only use that performers and songwriters can specifically prohibit is the use of songs in campaign advertisements. —Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025

More specifically, they were drawn to subtle yet modern aesthetics with timeless undertones. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for specifically

• prolifically
• terrifically