specifically
specifically — adverb
1. done for one particular reason or purpose rather than for any other; not general
done for one particular reason or purpose rather than for any other; not generally or accidentally.
Charlotte chose that cooking class specifically to learn how to make pasta.
The new bus route was designed specifically for students who live far from campus.
passive: be designed specifically for [group]
Walid bought noise-cancelling headphones specifically for long aeroplane flights.
Ada applied for the scholarship specifically because it covers living expenses.
Mauricio went to the workshop specifically to meet other designers in his field.
- particularly
Can overlap with 'specifically' in purpose contexts, but 'particularly' often adds emphasis rather than stating a deliberate aim
- expressly
More formal; emphasises that something was done with clear intention, often in writing or instructions
- especially
More common in everyday speech, but can be ambiguous between 'for that purpose' and 'more than others'
- generally
Without focusing on one particular purpose or detail
文法句型
specifically + for + noun phrase
specifically + to-infinitive
specifically + because + clause
用法筆記
Typically placed after the main verb or after the subject. Common with passive structures (be designed / be created / be made specifically). The purpose is often introduced by for, to, or because.
常見錯誤
2. in a clear, exact, and detailed way — used to state precisely which thing or per
in a clear, exact, and detailed way — used to state precisely which thing or person you mean, or to add more exact information to something you have just said.
The instructions state specifically that the medicine must be taken with food.
state + that-clause for exact information
Lukas asked the tour guide to explain more specifically what the package included.
Jiwoo mentioned specifically which documents the visa office would need.
The sign says no deliveries before dawn, or more specifically, no trucks.
Eli asked specifically how much the repairs on the old car would cost.
- precisely
Emphasises exactness that could be measured or pinpointed; stronger on numerical or factual accuracy
- explicitly
Suggests something is stated in clear, direct terms with no room for confusion; stronger on openness and directness
- exactly
The most common everyday word for precise description; less formal than 'specifically'
文法句型
verb + specifically + wh-clause
or more specifically + [precise version]
specifically + [clause elaborating on a previous statement]
用法筆記
Often used as a sentence adverb to introduce elaboration: you make a general statement and then add more specifically to give the precise details. Unlike sense 1, this sense does not express purpose — it expresses precision of description.