expressly
gb/ɪkspɹˈɛsli/ us/ɪkspɹˈɛsli/
B2
English
~ 6600
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
clearly and directly stated
in a very clear and direct way, using exact words so there is no doubt
Usage pattern:
to expressly [verb] that [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "expressly" with "especially". "Expressly" means something is clearly or officially said in words (similar to "explicitly"), while "especially" means "in particular" or "more than usual". For example, "The law expressly forbids this" (clearly states) vs. "I especially like this song" (like it more than others).
Synonyms
explicitly (Very close in meaning; slightly more common in both everyday and formal use.)
Antonyms
implicitly (Describes something that is suggested or understood without being directly stated.)
Collocations
expressly state
|expressly say
|expressly provide
|expressly forbid
|expressly mention
|expressly declare
Themes
communication
|law
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The contract expressly states that employees must give one month’s notice.
- He was expressly told not to share the confidential report.
- The judge noted that the law does not expressly mention social media in this context.
- Our refund policy is expressly explained on the website.
- The instructions expressly say to keep the device away from water.
Learner examples
- The rules expressly say you cannot smoke here.
- My boss expressly told me to finish the report today.
- The email expressly said that the meeting starts at 9 a.m.
- The teacher expressly warns students not to cheat on the test.
- The sign expressly says, “Do not enter.”
unknown
B2
property
2
specifically for a purpose
specifically for a certain person, group, or use
Usage pattern:
expressly for [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "especially" instead of "expressly" in formal writing. "Especially" is fine in everyday speech, but in written instructions, product descriptions, or official texts, "expressly" or "specifically" often sounds more natural and precise. Also, do not say *"expressly to you"* when you mean "directly to you"; use "expressly for you" for the idea of special purpose.
Synonyms
specifically (Very close in meaning and register; slightly more common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
generally (Describes something intended for most people or purposes, not for a particular one.)
Collocations
expressly for children
|expressly for you
|expressly for use in
|designed expressly for
|built expressly for
Themes
daily life
|products
|travel
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This app was created expressly for beginners who want to learn English.
- She came expressly to see you and was disappointed you were out.
- The clinic runs a program expressly for teenagers with anxiety.
- We ordered chairs that were designed expressly for outdoor use.
- The event is not expressly for students, but they are welcome to attend.
Learner examples
- I bought this gift expressly for you.
- This room is expressly for guests.
- The course is made expressly for new employees.
- They built a new road expressly for the factory.
- He traveled to London expressly to meet his new boss.
Grammar
Dictionary form
expressly
IPA
GB/ɪkspɹˈɛsli/
US/ɪkspɹˈɛsli/
Syllables & stress
ex - pressly (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pressly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: expressly
- Plural: expresslies
Word family
Forms
expresslies
noun
Core family
Related words
expressively
adverb
expressiveness
noun
Negative and opposite forms
inexpressive
adjective
expressionless
adjective
inexpressible
adjective
Advanced or less common
expressible
adjective
expressionism
noun
expressionist
noun
Expressions
expressly designed
2/ɪkspɹˈɛsli dɪzˈaɪnd/
fixed phrase
designed for a specific purpose
used to say that something was planned and made for one clear use or group of users
Examples
- These shoes are expressly designed for long-distance running.
- The course is expressly designed to help people change careers.
expressly for
1/ɪkspɹˈɛsli fɚ/
fixed phrase
specifically for someone or something
used to say that something is made, done, or given for one special person, group, or purpose and not for others
Examples
- This software was written expressly for small businesses.
- The letter was written expressly for new customers.
- We booked a table expressly for your birthday dinner.
expressly forbidden
3/ɪkspɹˈɛsli fɚbˈɪdən/
fixed phrase
formal
clearly and strictly not allowed
used to say that something is clearly and strongly not allowed by a rule, law, or order
Examples
- Smoking is expressly forbidden anywhere in the building.
- The use of personal email accounts for work is expressly forbidden in the policy.
expressly states that
4/ɪkspɹˈɛsli stˈeɪts ðˈæt/
fixed phrase
formal
clearly says that
used to introduce words in a rule, law, or document that say something in a very clear way
Examples
- The contract expressly states that overtime must be paid at a higher rate.
- The manual expressly states that the device is not waterproof.