What is specifically? Pronunciation and usage in English

specifically means . Learn how to pronounce and use specifically through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of specifically

specificallyadverb

/spɪˈsɪfɪkli/
Definition & pronunciation of specifically

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "specifically" in English. It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown, and I'll offer a few different ways to hear it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • spec-: Sounds like “speck” - like a tiny speck of dust.
  • -i-: This is a very short, almost silent "i" sound. Think of a quick little "ih" sound. It's often barely noticeable.
  • -fi-: Sounds like "fee" – like the word "fee" (as in, a payment).
  • -cally: Sounds like “cah-lee” – like the word "cally" but with a slightly shorter "a" sound.

2. Putting it Together – The General Pronunciation:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

ˈspɛsɪfɪkli

Let’s break that down visually:

  • ˈspɛ - Stress is on the first syllable: "speh" (the "eh" sound is like in "bed")
  • sɪ - Short "i" sound as in "sit"
  • fɪ - “fee” sound
  • kli - “cah-lee” (short “a” sound)

3. Phonetic Breakdown (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

This is the most precise way to represent the sound:

ˈspɛsɪfɪkli (ˈspɛsɪˌfɪkəli)

4. Listen for Yourself – Key Resources:

Tips for Success:

  • The "i" is Key: Don't over-emphasize the "i" sound. It’s very short.
  • Focus on the First Syllable: The stress is clearly on “spec-”.
  • Practice Slowly: Say it out loud, slowly at first, and gradually speed up.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word specifically in English

Let's break down how to use the word "specifically" effectively in English. It's a useful word for adding precision and clarity to your writing and speech.

1. Basic Meaning:

"Specifically" means "in particular" or "precisely." It’s used to point out a particular thing or detail that is important and distinct from others.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • To Introduce a Specific Detail: This is the most frequent use.

    • Incorrect: "I need to buy groceries."
    • Correct: "I specifically need to buy milk, eggs, and bread." (Now it’s clear which groceries are needed.)
    • Example: "Specifically, the regulations require all employees to wear safety glasses." (Focuses on a precise regulation.)
    • Example: "She enjoys reading biographies, specifically those about historical figures." (Highlights a particular type of biography.)

  • To Contrast with a Broader Category: You can use it to differentiate something from a larger group.

    • Example: "Many fruits are healthy; specifically, apples are packed with fiber." (Apples are being singled out from all fruits.)
    • Example: "There were many problems with the project; specifically, the communication between teams was poor." (Poor communication is isolating as a specific issue amongst many.)

  • To Clarify Instructions or Steps: Useful when giving detailed instructions.

    • Example: "To assemble the furniture, specifically, you need to attach the legs to the base using screws A and B."

  • To Emphasize Importance: You can sometimes use it to show that something is particularly significant.

    • Example: "The data specifically demonstrates a correlation between exercise and improved mood." (The data provides decisive proof).

3. Grammatical Points:

  • Placement: “Specifically” usually comes right after the word it’s modifying (the thing you’re pinpointing).
  • Comma Usage: A comma usually precedes “specifically.” (e.g., "Specifically, I need...") However, sometimes the comma is omitted if the sentence is very short and straightforward.

4. Synonyms (words with similar meanings):

  • Specifically: In particular, Precisely, Particularly, Notably, Especially, To be specific
  • More formal: Notably, Indeed

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overuse: Don’t use "specifically" in every sentence. It can sound repetitive if you overuse it. Choose the points where it truly adds clarity.
  • Using it unnecessarily: Sometimes a simpler phrase will do just as well. For example, instead of “Specifically, I want,” you could simply say “I want.”

Examples Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • Clarifying a List: “We need to order supplies: specifically, paper, pens, and staplers.”
  • Highlighting a Single Factor: “His success was due to his dedication, specifically his willingness to work long hours.”
  • Adding Detail to an Explanation: “The system works by analyzing data specifically related to customer purchases.”

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., essays, reports, emails, stories)
  • Can you provide an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word specifically

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