Specialty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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specialty

[ˈspɛʃ(ə)lti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in education

A special area of knowledge, study, or skill; a specific field in which someone concentrates or is an expert.

Synonyms

area of expertise, expertise, field.

Examples of usage

  • She is studying biology, her specialty is genetics.
  • His specialty is in the field of computer programming.
Context #2 | Noun

in a restaurant

A dish that is featured for a particular day or time period on a menu.

Synonyms

highlight, signature dish, special.

Examples of usage

  • The chef's specialty today is the seafood risotto.
  • I highly recommend trying the restaurant's specialty dessert.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In universities, students often choose a specialty to focus their studies, becoming experts in that subject.
  • Specialties help professionals like doctors and chefs refine their skills and be more effective in their careers.
  • Some fields of study, like engineering, have sub-specialties, allowing for even more focused training.

Culture

  • Different cultures have unique specialties in food that showcase their traditions, like sushi in Japan or pasta in Italy.
  • Specialties can also refer to traditional crafts, such as pottery in certain regions, highlighting cultural heritage.
  • The concept of personal specialty can lead to identity, affecting how individuals are perceived in society.

Business

  • In the business world, companies often have specialities that distinguish them from competitors, like eco-friendly products.
  • Service industries typically showcase specialties to attract specific customers, such as gourmet cooking or artisan goods.
  • Professionals market their specialties to gain credibility and attract clients in a competitive job market.

Psychology

  • Focusing on a specialty can lead to a greater sense of identity and achievement among individuals.
  • People are often drawn to specialties that align with their passions, which can enhance motivation and engagement.
  • The development of a specialty can shape interpersonal relationships, as people often seek like-minded individuals.

Origin of 'specialty'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin root 'specialis,' meaning particular or individual.
  • Originally, the term described a specific quality or characteristic of something in Middle English.
  • Over time, it evolved to refer particularly to areas of expertise or unique skills.

The word 'specialty' originated from the Latin word 'specialitas', which means 'uniqueness' or 'distinctiveness'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a specific area of expertise or a featured dish in a restaurant menu. The concept of specialty highlights the focus and expertise in a particular field or the uniqueness of a particular dish.


See also: special, specialist, specialists, specialization, specialize, specialized, specials.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,201 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.