to be specific
To name exactly
To be specific means to give exact details rather than speaking generally or vaguely.
Often used as a transitional phrase when narrowing from a broad statement to a particular point: I love fruit—specifically, mangoes.
The imperative be specific asks someone to clarify with concrete examples or precise information: What do you mean? Be specific.
- preciselyIn an exact manner
- exactlyWith total accuracy
- namelyIntroduces specific identification
- in other wordsRestating for clarity
- particularlyTo an unusual extent
in particular · explicitly · detail · pinpoint · zero in on · clarify · elaborate · cut to the chase · get down to brass tacks · drill down · concretely · pointedly · distinctly · narrowly · focus · zeroing · hone · nitpick
- clarifiersi.e., e.g., namely, meaning, in other words