What does "specify" mean?
To state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition.
Specify
/ˈspɛs.əˌfaɪ/ verb
verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition.
- Grammar: specify is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: define, designate, narrow down, particularize.
- Useful contrasts: broad term label, abstract logic, abstract only.
- Usage evidence: The important point concerning the complementary distribution is to specify the environment where the individual sounds occur.
How to use "specify"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "specify" 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 "specify" 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 "specify" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "specify" 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 "specify" 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 "define" 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 "specify", 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 state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition. transitive
"I was nevere somouned, ne never hadde tydynges of this matier but by seyd lettres and other fleying tales that I heve herd sithen, ne nevere hadde to do more with the seyd John Wortes than is specified in the seyd instruccion."
- 2 select something or someone for a specific purpose wordnet
- 3 To include in a specification. transitive
"It seems to me that whoever at the Department of Transport or the train operating companies, or both, is specifying the standard of seats these days has taken leave of their senses and opted for cheapness over comfort."
- 4 design or destine wordnet
- 5 To bring about a specific result. transitive
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 define clearly wordnet
- 7 To speak explicitly or in detail (often used with of). intransitive, obsolete
"Forthermar o þis lecheri / Agh i þe noght to specifie[…]"
- 8 decide upon or fix definitely wordnet
- 9 specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement wordnet
- 10 be specific about wordnet
- 11 determine the essential quality of wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The important point concerning the complementary distribution is to specify the environment where the individual sounds occur."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "specify"?
Common synonyms include: define, designate, narrow down, particularize, specialize, address to.
How do you use "specify" in a sentence?
The important point concerning the complementary distribution is to specify the environment where the individual sounds occur.
How do you pronounce "specify"?
Pronounced /ˈspɛs.əˌfaɪ/.
Etymology
From Middle English specifien, from Old French specifier, especefier, or directly from Medieval Latin specificō, from specificus (“specific”).