specifically

specifically — 副詞

1. done for one particular reason or purpose rather than for any other; not general

1.副詞B1
釋義

特地；特意

為了特定目的或原因

done for one particular reason or purpose rather than for any other; not generally or accidentally.

例句

Charlotte chose that cooking class specifically to learn how to make pasta.

Charlotte 報名那個烹飪課，就是特地為了學做義大利麵。

The new bus route was designed specifically for students who live far from campus.

這條新的公車路線是專門為住在離校園很遠的學生設計的。

passive: be designed specifically for [group]

同義詞
  • 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'

反義詞
  • 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

❌She bought the dress especially for the wedding' (when meaning purpose).
✅She bought the dress specifically for the wedding.
💡'especially' means 'more than others'; 'specifically' means 'for that purpose.'

2. in a clear, exact, and detailed way — used to state precisely which thing or per

2.副詞B1
釋義

明確具體

以精確詳細的方式說明

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.

例句

The instructions state specifically that the medicine must be taken with food.

說明書上明確指出，這種藥必須隨餐服用。

state + that-clause for exact information

Lukas asked the tour guide to explain more specifically what the package included.

Lukas 請導遊更具體地說明套裝行程包含哪些項目。

同義詞
  • 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'

反義詞
  • vaguely

    In a way that is not clear or detailed

  • roughly

    Approximately, not exactly

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.

常見錯誤

❌I specifically mean the red one, not the blue one.' (when giving precise reference).
✅I mean the red one specifically, not the blue one.
💡when used for precise identification, 'specifically' typically follows the noun or verb it modifies, or introduces the clause.