Specifically Meaning
Specifically Definition & Usage
In a precise or exact manner, highlighting a particular detail or aspect of something.
Examples
- "The letter was specifically addressed to the CEO of the company."
- "She mentioned specifically that she wanted the meeting to take place next Friday."
- "The instructions were specifically designed for beginners in programming."
- "The teacher specifically asked us to focus on chapter five for the exam."
- "This product is specifically designed for people with sensitive skin."
Cultural Context
The word 'specifically' comes from the Latin word 'specificus,' meaning 'pertaining to a species or particular kind.' In modern usage, it highlights precision, often in contrast to more general or broad terms. It's commonly used in formal speech, business settings, and detailed instructions to convey a high level of accuracy.
The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
Story
The Missing Piece of the Puzzle
In a small town nestled by the sea, a group of friends gathered every weekend to solve the challenging puzzle that had captivated their community for years. It was no ordinary puzzle; the pieces were so intricate and specific that each one seemed to fit only in its own place. The puzzle's image, a detailed map of the coastline, held the key to an ancient mystery that many had tried and failed to unravel. One Saturday, as the group worked together, Emma, the most detail-oriented of the bunch, pointed to a specific piece on the table. 'This one is specifically for the lighthouse part of the map,' she said, holding it up for everyone to see. 'The shape of the corner matches the one in the image. Look closely.' Her friend Max, who was usually more focused on the big picture, raised an eyebrow. 'You mean we’re not just looking for any piece? You’re saying we need to place this one specifically in this spot?' he asked, still skeptical. 'Yes, exactly,' Emma replied, 'The puzzle is designed in a way that every piece has its own exact place. It’s not just about fitting them together—it’s about understanding where each one belongs.' As the group worked through the puzzle, they found themselves using 'specifically' more and more often. Jason, the jokester of the group, would chuckle every time someone said it. 'I guess we should be *specifically* careful with this piece,' he teased, as he carefully placed a crucial corner piece in its spot. But the real breakthrough came when Mia, the historian, suggested that they needed to think about the puzzle in a historical context. 'We’re not just looking at shapes and colors here,' she said. 'We need to specifically focus on the map’s landmarks—the exact locations and their significance.' At that moment, the puzzle fell into place, revealing a hidden inscription that had been waiting for them to figure out. 'Specifically,' Mia said with a smile, 'this puzzle was designed for people who could see the details.' As the group celebrated their success, Emma couldn't help but feel proud. 'This is why I always insist on being specific with details,' she said. 'Sometimes the smallest thing can make all the difference.' The group realized that not only did they solve the puzzle, but they also learned the value of being specific in their approach. The next time they faced a challenge, they knew to focus on the details—and be specific in their strategy.