Specificity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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specificity
[หspษsษชหfษชsษชti ]
Definitions
in psychology
The quality of being specific rather than general. It refers to the ability to distinguish one stimulus from similar stimuli.
Synonyms
exactness, particularity, precision.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| specificity |
Employ 'specificity' when talking about clear and detailed information or features that are unique and distinct. This is often used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts.
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| precision |
Employ 'precision' when you need to express the quality of being exact and accurate, often in relation to detailed work, measurements, or calculations. This term is strongly associated with technical and scientific fields.
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| exactness |
Employ 'exactness' when referring to the quality of being very accurate or precise in terms of details or measurements.
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| particularity |
Employ 'particularity' when focusing on special or unusual characteristics that make something distinct. This word often has a nuance of a picky or fussy approach, and it may carry a slight negative connotation in some contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The experiment aimed to measure the participants' level of specificity in identifying different emotions.
- The therapist worked on improving the client's specificity in recognizing triggers for anxiety.
in communication
The extent to which a message is detailed, precise, and clearly defined.
Synonyms
clarity, detail, explicitness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| specificity |
Use when needing to highlight the precision and exactness of details.
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| clarity |
Best when emphasizing the clearness and understandability of information.
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| explicitness |
Appropriate for situations requiring direct, clear, and unambiguous communication, often with strong emphasis.
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| detail |
Used when talking about elements, facts, or features that make up something more complete.
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Examples of usage
- The success of the project relied on the specificity of the instructions given to the team members.
- The lack of specificity in the report led to confusion among the readers.
in biology
The degree to which a species is adapted to a specific niche or environment.
Synonyms
adaptation, selectivity, specialization.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| specificity |
Use this word when you want to talk about how detailed or precise something is. Often used in scientific or technical contexts.
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| adaptation |
This word is best used when discussing how something or someone changes in response to their environment. Common in biological, environmental, or even social contexts.
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| specialization |
This word is perfect when talking about focusing on a particular area of study or work. It implies a deep level of knowledge or skill in one specific area.
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| selectivity |
Use this term to describe how choosy or picky someone or something is. Often found in academic, professional, or scientific discussions.
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Examples of usage
- The specificity of the bird's beak shape is directly related to its diet and feeding habits.
- The research focused on the genetic factors that contribute to the specificity of certain plant species.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, specificity determines how well an organism or system responds to a particular stimulus.
- In chemistry, it refers to how well a reaction occurs with a specific reactant versus others.
- In medicine, specificity is crucial for tests to accurately identify diseases without false positives.
Psychology
- Specificity can enhance memory retention, as focusing on detailed aspects aids in recall.
- In goal-setting, precise objectives are shown to improve motivation and success rates.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy often emphasizes specificity in identifying thoughts to better address issues.
Communication
- Effective communication relies heavily on specificity to avoid misunderstandings.
- In writing, using specific language engages readers more than vague terms.
- Marketing strategies often thrive on specificity to target particular audiences uniquely.
Art
- In visual arts, specificity in detail can evoke strong emotional responses from viewers.
- Specific colors and textures in painting and design often convey deeper meanings and messages.
- Artists might choose specific subject matter, focusing on unique aspects of their creations for impact.
Origin of 'specificity'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'specificus', meaning 'of a particular kind'.
- It entered the English language in the mid-19th century, reflecting a focus on clarity in language and thought.
- Associated with the scientific age, it emphasizes the importance of exactness in various fields.
The word 'specificity' originated from the Latin word 'specificus', which means 'of a kind or particular'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of specificity has been significant in various fields such as psychology, communication, and biology, emphasizing the importance of precision, detail, and adaptation to particular circumstances.