Cool MateExplicitly vs Specifically
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Explicitly
Specifically
| Explicitly | Specifically | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈsplɪsɪtli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈsplɪsɪtli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/spəˈsɪfɪkli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/spəˈsɪfɪkli/"]/ |
| Meaning | In a clear and direct way. | In a clear and exact way. |
| Example | The report states explicitly that the system was to blame. | The report specifically outlines the steps we need to take. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Collocations | state explicitly, say explicitly, ask explicitly, require explicitly | specifically mention, specifically state, used specifically, specifically designed, specifically requested |
| Antonyms | implicitly, ambiguously | generally, vaguely |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'implicitly', which means something is suggested but not stated outright., Using it in informal speech where simpler words would suffice., Misplacing it in the sentence, leading to unclear meaning. | Mixing up with 'especially', which has a different meaning., Using as 'specific' instead of 'specifically'., Omitting it in sentences where it clarifies meaning. |
| Usage notes | Use 'explicitly' when you want to emphasize that something is clearly stated, especially in formal contexts. Avoid in casual conversations. | Use 'specifically' to clarify or provide detailed information about something. It is appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid it in overly casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Explicitly vs Specifically
What's the difference between Explicitly and Specifically?
Explicitly: In a clear and direct way. Specifically: In a clear and exact way.
Which is more formal: Explicitly and Specifically?
Explicitly is the most formal of these.
Which is more advanced: Explicitly and Specifically?
Explicitly is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Explicitly and Specifically the same CEFR level?
Explicitly: C1, Specifically: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Explicitly and Specifically?
Explicitly: adverb, Specifically: adverb.
Can you show an example of each?
Explicitly: The report states explicitly that the system was to blame. Specifically: The report specifically outlines the steps we need to take.
Can I use Explicitly and Specifically interchangeably?
Not always. Explicitly and Specifically are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.