concretamente

Concretamente is an adverb in Spanish that means to express something in a precise or specific way. It translates to “concretely,” “specifically,” or “in concrete terms.” The word is used to narrow a previous statement or to introduce a precise detail, example, or figure.

Etymology and form: Concretamente is formed from the adjective concreto (concrete) plus the suffix -mente, which creates adverbs. The root concreto itself comes from Latin concretus, meaning solidified or compact, and by extension tangible and definite.

Usage: In both formal and academic writing, concretamente serves to delimit the scope of a claim or to present a concrete instance. It is commonly placed at the start of a clause that supplies specific information, or it can follow a general statement to introduce details. Example: Concretamente, la inversión total fue de 2,5 millones de euros. In conversation, it can appear at the beginning of a sentence to guide the listener to precise information.

Separation from related terms: Concretamente is distinct from the verb concretar (to concretize or finalize) and from the noun concreto (concrete material). In some contexts, en concreto can function as a synonym meaning “in concrete terms.” In Portuguese, the cognate is igualmente concretamente with the same meaning.

See also: concretar, concreto, en concreto, específicamente.