Specify
/ˈspɛsɪfaɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo state clearly and exactly what something is or what should be done.
/ˈspɛsɪfaɪ/
To state or describe something precisely or in detail.
Please specify the size you need.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're giving someone instructions. Specifying means telling them exactly what you want, like saying, 'Put the red block on top of the blue block,' instead of just, 'Put a block on top.'
👶 For kids: To tell exactly what something is or how to do something.
More Examples
The instructions specify how to assemble the product.
The contract specifies the terms of payment.
Can you specify the exact amount?
How It's Used
"The contract specifies the payment terms."
"The software requirements specify the system's functions."
"The law specifies the penalties for violating the regulation."
To give a precise meaning or definition to something.
/ˈspɛsɪfaɪ/
To identify something precisely or to state or describe something explicitly.
The report needs to specify the source of the data.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a box of things. Specifying means to name one thing, such as 'the blue ball in the box.'
👶 For kids: To tell exactly what something is.
More Examples
The contract specifies the responsibilities of each party.
The software requires the user to specify their preferences.
He tried to specify the exact nature of the problem.
How It's Used
"The programmer needs to specify the variable types for the code to compile."
"The architect specified the type of materials to be used for the building's facade."
Idioms & expressions
specify the details
To provide all necessary information.
"The project manager asked us to specify the details before moving forward."
to be specified
To become clearer in the future; currently uncertain.
"The exact time of the meeting is to be specified later."
From Middle English specifien, from Old French especifier, from Latin specificare ('to specify, define'), from specificus ('specific').
Historically, 'specify' was used in legal and formal writing to precisely state conditions or define agreements, but it has expanded to general use.
Memory tip
Think of SPEC-ify as clearly outlining the SPEC-ific details.
Word Origin
"specificus (of a particular kind, specific)"