expressly

Expressly is an adverb meaning in a direct, explicit, or intentional manner. It is used to emphasize that a statement, rule, or action is meant to be clear and without ambiguity, often to exclude or specify particular conditions. In formal writing, expressly signals deliberate intent or a precise limitation, and it is common in legal, policy, and instructional contexts.

Etymology traces expressly to express, from Latin expressus, the past participle of exprimere “to press out; to express.” The form gained the -ly suffix in English to become an adverb describing manner or purpose. The word’s meaning has remained closely tied to clarity and explicitness since its earliest uses in Middle English and Early Modern English texts.

Usage notes and examples:

- The contract expressly forbids assignment to third parties.

- The invitation expressly reserves the right to refuse admission.

- The software is expressly intended for personal use.

Expressly is often interchangeable with explicitly, plainly, or clearly, but it frequently carries a stronger sense of intentionality or prohibition. It is widely used in formal writing, legal documents, and official notices, though it can appear in journalism and other prose where emphasis on precise intent is desired. Related terms include explicit, explicitly, and express (as a verb or adjective), with expressively describing manner or style rather than explicit intent.