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Specialize

//ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz// verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 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. 2
    evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment wordnet
  3. 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. 4
    become more focused on an area of activity or field of study wordnet
  5. 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
  1. 6
    suit to a special purpose wordnet
  2. 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."

  3. 8
    be specific about wordnet
  4. 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."

  5. 10
    devote oneself to a special area of work wordnet
  6. 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."

  7. 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’..."

  8. 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."

  9. 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."

Etymology

From special + -ize.

See also for "specialize"

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