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

Practice with vocabulary specifically

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new policy was implemented ____ to prevent future data breaches.
  2. During the debriefing, the manager asked the team to describe ____ what went wrong during the product launch.
  3. The company's mission is to provide high-quality, affordable solutions, ____ for small businesses.
  4. Please ensure all report sections are written ____ and concisely, avoiding jargon where possible.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The research paper examined the impact of social media on mental health, focusing ____ on adolescents aged 13-18. a) broadly b) generally c) specifically d) vaguely

  2. To improve efficiency, we need to address the bottlenecks in the supply chain. Which of these words could describe how we should address them? a) generally b) directly c) specifically d) aimlessly e) vaguely

  3. The new regulations were enacted ____ to curb pollution from industrial waste. a) broadly b) specifically c) ambiguously d) incidentally

  4. The instructions must be ____ and easy to understand to avoid errors. a) ambiguous b) vague c) explicit d) intricate e) precise

  5. We're looking for candidates with strong analytical skills, ____ those who have experience with data modeling. a) generally b) collectively c) particularly d) incidentally

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company developed the software to meet the needs of small businesses. (Rewrite using "specifically")
  2. We need to outline the detailed requirements for the new product before production begins. (Rewrite using a related word form of "specifically")
  3. She asked for a clear and exact explanation of the problem. (Rewrite without using "specifically", but a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. specifically
  2. specifically
  3. especially (or particularly)
  4. clearly (or explicitly)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) specifically
  2. b) directly, c) specifically
  3. b) specifically
  4. c) explicit, e) precise
  5. c) particularly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company developed the software specifically to meet the needs of small businesses.
  2. We need to outline the specific requirements for the new product before production begins.
  3. She asked for an explicit explanation of the problem.

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