What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Specifically vs Exactly - What's the difference?

specifically | exactly |

As adverbs the difference between specifically and exactly

is that specifically is in a specific manner, applying to or naming a particular thing or things, expressly, explicitly while exactly is without approximation; precisely.

As an interjection exactly is

Signifies agreement or recognition

specifically

English

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • in a specific manner, applying to or naming a particular thing or things, expressly, explicitly
  • * 1994 , Congress of the United States, :
    • A provision of law may not be construed as requiring a new grant to be awarded to a specified non-Federal Government entity unless that provision of law (1) specifically''' refers to this subsection; '''specifically''' identifies the particular non-Federal Government entity involved; and (3) '''specifically states that the award to that entity is required by such provision of law in contravention of the policy set forth in subsection (a).
  • * 2009 (last modified), University of North Dakota, Institutional Review Board Standard Operating Procedures: Informed Consent Documentation :
    • Unless specifically waived by the IRB, all subjects, or their legally authorized representatives, must document that they are consenting to participate in any research project that is approved by the University of North Dakota Institutional Review Board.
  • * 2010 (last amended), Congress of the United States, :
    • Unless a rule or statute specifically states otherwise, a pleading need not be verified or accompanied by an affidavit.
  • * 2011 , Paul Bergman, Sara Berman, The Criminal Law Handbook: Know Your Rights, Survive the System :
    • Many laws are directed specifically at child abuse.
  • for a specific purpose or reason

    • exactly

    English

    Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • (manner) without approximation; precisely.
    • Measure exactly so we can be sure it is right.
    The edge is not exactly straight.
  • (focus) Used to provide emphasis.
    • It was exactly an Eastern gray squirrel.
    He divided the coins exactly in half.
    He did it that way exactly to prove the point.
    His complaint was exactly that she failed to meet the deadline by four days.

    Antonyms

    * approximately

    Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • (Signifies agreement or recognition)
    • So you're saying that we have only three days left? / Yes, exactly !