adv. [f. as prec.]
1. In respect of specific or inherent qualities:
a. Of likeness or difference.
1624. Gataker, Transubst., 48. One thing is said to be another, which cannot be individually or specifically the same.
1628. T. Spencer, Logick, 209. This hath one kinde of forme, that hath another, therefore this doth specifically differ from that.
1678. Cudworth, Intell. Syst., Pref. 14. There is a substance specifically distinct from body.
1785. Reid, Intell. Powers, VI. i. 414. Judgement is an act of the mind, specifically different from simple apprehension.
1859. Darwin, Orig. Spec., xi. (1860), 370. During the newer Pliocene period,… and whilst the majority of the inhabitants of the world were specifically the same as now.
1877. E. R. Conder, Bas. Faith, iv. 182. Other minds generically like, but specifically unlike, my own.
b. Of comparative weight.
1692. Bentley, Boyle Lect., iv. 10. If an Axhead be supposed to float upon water, which is specifically much lighter than it.
1725. Family Dict., s.v. Pores, If they had not [pores], all Bodies would be alike specifically weighty.
1774. Pennant, Tour Scotl. in 1772, 331. The waters are said to be specifically lighter than most others.
1800. Vince, Hydrost., vii. (1806), 78. The vapours … become specifically heavier than the medium wherein they floated.
1878. Huxley, Physiogr., 152. The cold water becoming specifically lighter and rising to the surface.
c. In other contexts.
a. 1676. Hale, Prim. Orig. Man., I. ii. (1677), 44. I shall not at large discuss those Faculties and Organs which he hath in common with Vegetables and Brutes, but those only that belong to him specifically as Man.
1865. Tylor, Early Hist. Man., iii. 54. The gesture language appears not to be specifically affected by differences in the race or climate of those who use it.
1894. Denney, Stud. Theol., v. 103. This conjunction of ideas is specially but not specifically Pauline.
2. In a specific or definite form or manner.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., 95. [They] seem specifically and in regular shapes to attend the corruption of their bodyes.
1707. Curios. in Husb. & Gard., 32. The Plant … may be specifically discern’d in each … Seed.
1766. Blackstone, Comm., II. 335. A deed of defeazance … upon events specifically mentioned.
1790. Burke, Fr. Rev., 32. The law by which this royal family is specifically destined to the succession.
1837. Carlyle, Fr. Rev., III. II. v. Is there any man here that dare specifically accuse me?
1870. J. Bruce, Life Gideon, xxiii. 419. It is well to have ascertained, thus specifically, how deep-seated … is our spiritual disease.
1891. Law Times, XCII. 105/2. The lady had contracted specifically with a view to bind definite separate estate.
3. In something of the same kind.
1780. T. Jefferson, in Sparks, Corr. Amer. Rev. (1853), III. 177. These articles shall be either identically or specifically returned, should we prove successful.
4. In a special manner. Chiefly Med.
1802. in Med. Jrnl., VIII. 90. That all medicines act specifically upon one or more parts of the body.
1829. I. Taylor, Enthus., vi. (1867), 121. A dispensation of moral exercise, specifically adapted to the temper and power of the individual.
1899. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., VI. 304. Nearly all authors agree that syphilitic arteritis is much more likely to occur in persons who have not been specifically treated.
