Specifications: meaning, definitions and examples

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specifications

 

[ ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

technical

A detailed description of the design and materials used in a product or project.

Synonyms

description, details, requirements.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
specifications

Used in a technical or engineering context to define exact requirements for a product, material, or system. These are precise and often detailed documents.

  • The car manufacturer provided specifications for the new engine model.
  • Make sure to follow the specifications outlined in the manual.
details

Emphasizes specific pieces of information or individual characteristics of something. Often used to fill in the completeness of a description.

  • I need the details of the meeting agenda.
  • She provided details about her recent trip.
description

Used in general contexts to provide an overview or summary of something. It is less detailed and more about giving the main idea.

  • The job advertisement included a brief description of the responsibilities.
  • Can you give me a description of what happened?
requirements

Generally used to refer to conditions or qualities that must be met for something to be acceptable or achievable. Commonly used in job listings, project plans, or any context where certain criteria need to be fulfilled.

  • The requirements for the job include a degree in computer science.
  • We need to meet all the requirements for the project to get approved.

Examples of usage

  • Please provide me with the specifications for the new smartphone model.
  • The specifications for the construction project were carefully reviewed by the engineers.
  • The specifications for the software development included specific requirements for performance and security.
Context #2 | Noun

general

An explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, or service.

Synonyms

criteria, requirements, standards.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
specifications

Use this term when discussing detailed descriptions of the design, dimensions, materials, and other characteristics of something being made or used. It's common in technical and engineering fields.

  • The architect provided the specifications for the new building
  • The product specifications include its size, weight, and power consumption
requirements

This word is used when talking about the essential and obligatory things needed for a specific purpose, project, or role. It is frequently used in business, legal, and technical contexts.

  • The requirements for the project must be met by the end of the month
  • The visa requirements include a valid passport and an application form
criteria

This term is best when referring to the standards or principles by which something is judged, decided, or selected. It is often used in decision-making processes and evaluations.

  • The main criteria for the job are experience and educational background
  • The selection criteria were very strict for the competition
standards

This term is appropriate when speaking about the level of quality or attainment. It is often used in contexts like education, manufacturing, and service industries to describe the expected or regulated quality.

  • The new software meets all industry standards
  • There are high standards for cleanliness in the restaurant

Examples of usage

  • The specifications for the job position were clearly outlined in the job posting.
  • The company followed the specifications provided by the client in the project.
  • The specifications for the new car model included safety features and fuel efficiency.
Context #3 | Noun

technology

Detailed information about the design and features of a device or system.

Synonyms

details, features.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
specifications

Used in technical fields to describe the exact criteria and dimensions something must meet.

  • The laptop's specifications include an Intel i7 processor and 16GB of RAM.
  • All components must adhere to the safety specifications.
features

Commonly used in marketing and product descriptions to highlight the main aspects or selling points of a product.

  • This phone has several new features, including a high-resolution camera.
  • Let's discuss the features of the new software.
details

Used in casual or professional settings to describe more about something, often focusing on smaller components or aspects.

  • Can you give me more details about the event?
  • She explained the details of the plan.

Examples of usage

  • The technical specifications of the new laptop were impressive.
  • Before purchasing the camera, I checked the specifications for resolution and zoom capabilities.
  • Make sure to read the specifications of the software before installing it on your computer.

Translations

Translations of the word "specifications" in other languages:

🇵🇹 especificações

🇮🇳 विशेषताएँ

🇩🇪 Spezifikationen

🇮🇩 spesifikasi

🇺🇦 специфікації

🇵🇱 specyfikacje

🇯🇵 仕様

🇫🇷 spécifications

🇪🇸 especificaciones

🇹🇷 şartname

🇰🇷 사양

🇸🇦 مواصفات

🇨🇿 specifikace

🇸🇰 špecifikácie

🇨🇳 规格

🇸🇮 specifikacije

🇮🇸 tæknilýsingar

🇰🇿 спецификациялар

🇬🇪 სპეციფიკაციები

🇦🇿 spesifikasiyalar

🇲🇽 especificaciones

Etymology

The word 'specifications' originated from the Latin word 'specificationem', which means a detailed description. Over time, it evolved to refer to explicit requirements or details needed for various purposes, such as product design, construction, or technology. The use of specifications plays a crucial role in ensuring quality, accuracy, and compliance in different industries.

See also: specifiable, specification, specified, specifier, unspecified.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,531, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.