Specification
/ˌspesɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsA detailed description of the design or construction of something, or the requirements for a product or service.
/ˌspesɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
A detailed description of the requirements, features, or functions of something.
The company provided detailed specifications for the new computer.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a LEGO castle. The specification is the instruction manual—it tells you exactly what pieces you need and how to put them together, so you end up with the right castle!
👶 For kids: When you tell someone exactly what you want, like the colors for your drawing or what ingredients go in your cake.
More Examples
The engineer reviewed the specifications to ensure the design met the necessary requirements.
The project's specifications are clearly defined in the contract.
How It's Used
"The product's specifications included a temperature range of -20 to 50 degrees Celsius."
"The software specification outlined the user interface requirements."
"The construction project's specifications detailed the materials and techniques to be used."
The process of defining or detailing something, or the act of clearly stating the exact requirements.
/ˌspesɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
The act or process of specifying.
The specification of the requirements was a time-consuming process.
💡 Simply: Imagine when you're asking for a cake, you tell the baker what flavor, what size, what color frosting, and if it has sprinkles, and if it has your name. Specifying is like the act of telling.
👶 For kids: When you tell someone the special things you want.
More Examples
Accurate specification is important to avoid any confusion.
The specification of the project's goals was vital for its success.
How It's Used
"The specification of the terms in the contract was crucial."
"The detailed specification of the project was a must."
Synonyms
Description
Details
Parameters
Requirements
Clarification
Definition
Determination
From Late Latin *specificatio*, from *specificare* 'to specify,' from *species* 'species, kind' + *facere* 'to make, do'.
The term's usage, initially in engineering and manufacturing, expanded with the growth of technology and the need for standardized descriptions across various fields.
Memory tip
Think of a specific detailed plan.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: spec- (from *species*) and *facere*