Specially vs. Specifically: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Specially refers to something done with a specific purpose or for a particular reason, while specifically denotes stating something in a precise and clear manner.
Key Differences
Specially is used to indicate something done for a special purpose or reason, often implying customization or extra effort. Specifically, however, is used to denote clarity and precision in explanation or identification.
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Nov 20, 2023
Specially is often used when referring to actions taken or items created for particular needs or occasions. Specifically is used when narrowing down a topic or specifying a particular point for emphasis.
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Nov 20, 2023
Specially carries a connotation of uniqueness or extra care. Specifically implies a focus on detail and exactness, often used to clarify or correct a general statement.
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Nov 20, 2023
Specially has a broader application, encompassing a range of special purposes or adaptations. Specifically is more limited, primarily used in contexts requiring precision and explicitness.
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Nov 20, 2023
Specially can be used more flexibly in various contexts, from personal to professional. Specifically is more rigid, often confined to academic, technical, or formal settings.
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Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Done for a special purpose or reason.
Stating something in a precise, clear manner.
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Nov 20, 2023
Usage Context
Actions or items tailored for specific needs.
Narrowing down or specifying a particular point.
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Nov 20, 2023
Connotation
Implies uniqueness or extra care.
Focuses on detail and exactness.
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Application
Broad, ranging from personal to professional.
Limited, mostly in formal or technical contexts.
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Nov 20, 2023
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Specially and Specifically Definitions
Specifically
Precise Identification
Specifically named in the will as a beneficiary.
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Specially
Surpassing what is common or usual; exceptional
A special occasion.
A special treat.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specifically
Clarification
Specifically stated that the meeting is at 10 AM.
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Nov 20, 2023
Specially
Distinct among others of a kind
A special type of paint.
A special medication for arthritis.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Specifically
Explicit Reference
Specifically referred to the third chapter in the book.
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Nov 20, 2023
Specially
Peculiar to a specific person or thing; particular
My own special chair.
The special features of a computer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specifically
Clear or detailed in communicating
Be specific when telling us what you need.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specially
Having a limited or specific function, application, or scope
A special role in the mission.
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Specifically
Limited, distinctive, or unique
Problems specific to small colleges.
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Specially
Arranged for a particular occasion or purpose
A special visit from her daughter.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specifically
Intended for, applying to, or acting on a particular thing
A specific remedy for warts.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specially
Regarded with particular affection and admiration
A special friend.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specifically
Concerned particularly with the subject specified. Often used in combination
"age-specific voting patterns" (A. Dianne Schmidley).
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Oct 19, 2023
Specifically
Relating to, characterizing, or distinguishing a species
A specific name.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specially
Something arranged, issued, or appropriated to a particular service or occasion
Rode to work on the commuter special.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specifically
Designating a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specially
A featured attraction, such as a reduced price
A special on salmon.
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Specifically
Having a remedial influence or effect on a particular disease.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specially
A single television production that features a specific work, a given topic, or a particular performer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specifically
(Immunology) Having an affinity limited to a particular antibody or antigen.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specially
For a special purpose, person, or occasion.
We had this cake made specially for your birthday.
The train is waiting specially for a high-ranking diplomat.
The school is specially for any child whose schooling was disrupted by illness.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specifically
Designating a customs charge levied on merchandise by unit or weight rather than according to value.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specifically
Designating a commodity rate applicable to the transportation of a single commodity between named points.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specially
(proscribed) in particular
I love all animals, specially cute furry ones.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specially
For a particular purpose; as, a meeting of the legislature is specially summoned.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specially
To a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common;
He was particularly fussy about spelling
A particularly gruesome attack
Under peculiarly tragic circumstances
An especially (or specially) cautious approach to the danger
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Oct 19, 2023
Specifically
In a specific manner, applying to or naming a particular thing or things, expressly, explicitly.
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Oct 19, 2023
Specially
Special Occasion
The cake was specially decorated for the birthday.
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Specially
Extra Effort
Specially prepared lesson plans for diverse learning needs.
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Nov 20, 2023
Specifically
In distinction from others;
A program specifically for teenagers
He is interested specifically in poisonous snakes
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Specifically
Detailed Explanation
The instructions were specifically detailed.
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Specifically
Narrow Focus
The research focuses specifically on marine biology.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can specially be used for events?
Yes, for events planned with a special purpose.
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Nov 20, 2023
Does specially imply extra effort?
Often, it implies customization or extra care.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can specially refer to personalization?
Yes, like a specially tailored suit.
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Nov 20, 2023
How does specially apply in professional contexts?
Like specially designed software for a task.
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Nov 20, 2023
What does specifically mean?
Specifically means stating something precisely and clearly.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can specifically correct misconceptions?
Yes, by providing precise information.
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Nov 20, 2023
Are specially and specifically interchangeable?
Not usually, due to different connotations.
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Nov 20, 2023
Do I use specifically for emphasizing a point?
Yes, to draw attention to a specific detail.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Can specially be used in casual conversation?
Yes, like "specially made for you."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Should I use specifically for general statements?
No, it’s better for precise points.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Does specially have a broad range of use?
Yes, it's applicable in various scenarios.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
Is specifically appropriate in academic texts?
Yes, for precision and clarity.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can specially relate to emotions?
Yes, like "prepared specially with love."
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Nov 20, 2023
Is specifically used in legal documents?
Often, for clarity and avoidance of ambiguity.
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Nov 20, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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