English

edit

Alternative forms

edit

Etymology

edit

From specific +‎ -ally.

Pronunciation

edit
  • (US, UK) IPA(key): /spəˈsɪf.ɪk.li/, /spɪˈsɪf.ɪk.li/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Adverb

edit

specifically (comparative more specifically, superlative most specifically)

  1. In a specific manner, applying to or naming a particular thing or things, expressly, explicitly.
    Synonyms: see Thesaurus:explicitly, Thesaurus:specifically
    Antonyms: generally; typically; classically
    • 1994, Congress of the United States, United States Statutes at Large, volume 108, part 4:
      A provision of law may not be construed as requiring a new grant to be awarded to a specified non-Federal Government entity unless that provision of law (1) specifically refers to this subsection; specifically identifies the particular non-Federal Government entity involved; and (3) specifically states that the award to that entity is required by such provision of law in contravention of the policy set forth in subsection (a).
    • 2009, Institutional Review Board, Standard Operating Procedures: Informed Consent Documentation, University of North Dakota:
      Unless specifically waived by the IRB, all subjects, or their legally authorized representatives, must document that they are consenting to participate in any research project that is approved by the University of North Dakota Institutional Review Board.
    • 2010, Congress of the United States, “Rule 11”, in Federal Rules of Civil Procedure:
      Unless a rule or statute specifically states otherwise, a pleading need not be verified or accompanied by an affidavit.
    • 2011, Paul Bergman, Sara Berman, The Criminal Law Handbook: Know Your Rights, Survive the System:
      Many laws are directed specifically at child abuse.
  2. For a specific purpose or reason.

Derived terms

edit

Translations

edit