What does "specialize" mean?
To make distinct or separate from what is common; To go into specific details.
Specialize
/ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz/ verb
verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To make distinct or separate from what is common; To go into specific details.
- Grammar: specialize is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: narrow, analyze, anatomize, assign.
- Useful contrasts: diversified, generalized, branch of science.
- Usage evidence: The number of students who specialize in biology will increase from now on.
How to use "specialize"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "specialize" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "specialize" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "specialize" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "specialize" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "specialize" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "narrow" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "specialize", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To make distinct or separate from what is common; To go into specific details. British, English, Oxford, US, intransitive, obsolete
"Firſt laſh the Great-ones ; but, if thou be wiſe, / In generall, and doe not ſpeciallize : / Yet, if thou doe, ſo wiſely let it be, / None may except but thoſe that faulty be."
- 2 evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment wordnet
- 3 To make distinct or separate from what is common; To specify: to mention specifically. British, English, Oxford, US, rare, transitive
"Our Sauiour specialising and nominating the places in which these false prophets should teach his presence to be."
- 4 become more focused on an area of activity or field of study wordnet
- 5 To make distinct or separate from what is common; To narrow in scope. British, English, Oxford, US, transitive, uncommon
"He is at moſt a confuſed and wild Chriſtian, not ſpecialized by any form, but capable of all."
Show 9 more definitions
- 6 suit to a special purpose wordnet
- 7 To make distinct or separate from what is common; To make distinct or separate due to form or function. British, English, Oxford, US, transitive
"In the lowest orders of being, we find these functions very much blended together, and several of them apparently performed by one simple apparatus ; but in proportion as we rise in the scale, we perceive that they are specialized, or separated from each other, and that a complicated set of organs is appropriated to each of them."
- 8 be specific about wordnet
- 9 To become distinct or separate from what is common, particularly British, English, Oxford, US, intransitive
"These cells specialized for propagation, however they may originate, are accordingly distinguished by a special name, that of Spores of Sporules."
- 10 devote oneself to a special area of work wordnet
- 11 To become distinct or separate from what is common; To focus one's study upon a particular skill, field, topic, or genre. British, English, Oxford, US, intransitive
"Also, to their honour be it said, they will not allow their scholars to specialize, and, with four hours of mathematics a week, even a Newton would not go up to Cambridge knowing much."
- 12 To become distinct or separate from what is common; To focus one's business upon a particular item or service. British, English, Oxford, US, intransitive
"Firms... which have specialised in the manufacture of ‘heavies’..."
- 13 To become distinct or separate from what is common; To be known or notorious for some specialty. British, English, Oxford, US, derogatory, intransitive, usually
"Watson specializes in adiposeness; none of his chorus beauties may be considered featherweights."
- 14 To train (someone) in a specialty. British, English, Oxford, US, transitive
""Kia, Honey, you got to help him to it," Bell Norton told the 16 year old girl she was "specializing" as part of the hospital's intensive care program for high risk babies and mothers."
Antonyms
Example
"The number of students who specialize in biology will increase from now on."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "specialize"?
Common synonyms include: narrow, analyze, anatomize, assign, atomize, be into.
How do you use "specialize" in a sentence?
The number of students who specialize in biology will increase from now on.
How do you pronounce "specialize"?
Pronounced /ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz/.
Etymology
From special + -ize.