expressly
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛksprˈɛsli/
US
- /ɛksˈprɛsli/
Description
- Clearly stated
- Directly said
- On purpose
- For a specific purpose
Imagine you're writing an important letter with clear instructions. You would not just imply what you want. You would state it expressly. This word means something is said directly, clearly, and without room for misunderstanding. It shows that the message is not accidental or vague. It was said on purpose and in a clear way.
Think of a contract: some clauses are written expressly to avoid future disputes. Or consider a firm request: "I expressly forbid you from touching my cookies!" That is very clear. The word is often used to stress a rule, instruction, or condition. It can also mean that something was done for a special purpose, as in "This room was built expressly for storage." You will often see it in legal or formal writing where clarity matters.
The word "expressly" usually means clearly, directly, and intentionally stated, with no room for doubt or misunderstanding. It is not just about saying something. It is about making the meaning plain and deliberate.
It often appears in places where clarity is important, such as legal agreements, formal instructions, or official notices. For example, "The contract expressly prohibits the use of this technology" means the ban is written out directly in the contract. In "She was expressly invited to the gala," the idea is that she was invited in a direct and intentional way, not included indirectly as a guest of someone else.
"Expressly" is not only about what is said, but also about how it is said. It highlights clear intention. If someone says they "expressly requested" something, they did not merely mention it. They asked for it in a direct and definite way.
There is also another common use. "Expressly" can mean "for a particular purpose" or "especially for this reason." For example, "This tool was designed expressly for beginners" means it was made with beginners in mind. In "He was chosen expressly for his expertise," the word shows that his expertise was the specific reason for the choice.
So, when you want to show that something was said very clearly and on purpose, or that something was done for a special reason, "expressly" is a strong choice. It gives a sentence a sense of precision and intention.
Examples
- 1
Intended audience
This guide was written expressly for new teachers.
- 2
Direct instruction
She told me expressly not to discuss the case with anyone else.
- 3
Lease rule
The lease expressly forbids pets in the apartment.
- 4
Pricing terms
Unless a fee is expressly mentioned, it is included in the price.
- 5
Trade diplomacy
The visit was arranged expressly to strengthen trade ties.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- expresslyadverb