Specifier: meaning, definitions and examples

🔍
Add to dictionary

specifier

 

[ ˈspɛsɪˌfaɪər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in technical terms

A specifier is a term used to provide additional information or details about a particular subject or object. It helps to clarify or define the characteristics, properties, or features of the subject in question.

Synonyms

descriptor, identifier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
specifier

Used in technical settings to define specific requirements or conditions, similar to the first entry, often reinforcing strict criteria or rules.

  • The operating manual includes a specifier for machine maintenance intervals.
  • In software development, a specifier can dictate how variables should be formatted.
identifier

Commonly used in computing, data management, and programming to uniquely distinguish one entity from another.

  • Each user is assigned a unique identifier to track their activities in the system.
  • The product's barcode serves as an identifier for inventory management.
descriptor

This word is suitable in contexts where you need to describe characteristics or properties of something, often in writing or reporting.

  • The job posting had a detailed descriptor of the required skills and qualifications.
  • Each book in the library has a descriptor to help identify its genre and topics.

Examples of usage

  • Please include the specifier in your report for a more accurate analysis.
  • The specifier for this function should be clearly defined in the documentation.
Context #2 | Noun

in grammar

In grammar, a specifier is a word or phrase that provides additional information about a noun, such as quantity, definiteness, or possession. It helps to specify the exact reference of the noun in a sentence.

Synonyms

determiner, qualifier.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
specifier

Used primarily in technical or formal contexts, such as programming or grammar, to indicate a specific value or detail.

  • In the programming language, a specifier defines the data type
  • In grammar, a definiteness specifier distinguishes between general and specific nouns
determiner

Commonly used in grammar to point out the reference of a noun or noun phrase, indicating things like definiteness, quantity, and possession.

  • The word 'the' is a determiner that specifies a particular item
  • In 'some apples', 'some' is the determiner indicating an indefinite quantity
qualifier

Often used in linguistic and everyday contexts to describe words or phrases that limit or modify the meaning of another word, usually making it more precise.

  • In the sentence 'He is somewhat tired,' 'somewhat' acts as a qualifier
  • 'Fast runner' includes 'fast' as a qualifier that specifies the type of runner

Examples of usage

  • The specifier 'the' indicates a definite reference to a specific noun.
  • This sentence lacks a specifier to clarify the noun's possession.

Translations

Translations of the word "specifier" in other languages:

🇵🇹 especificador

🇮🇳 निर्दिष्ट करने वाला

🇩🇪 Spezifizierer

🇮🇩 penentu

🇺🇦 специфікатор

🇵🇱 specyfikator

🇯🇵 指定子

🇫🇷 spécificateur

🇪🇸 especificador

🇹🇷 belirleyici

🇰🇷 지정자

🇸🇦 محدد

🇨🇿 specifikátor

🇸🇰 špecifikátor

🇨🇳 指定符

🇸🇮 določitelj

🇮🇸 tilgreinir

🇰🇿 анықтаушы

🇬🇪 სპეციფიკატორი

🇦🇿 spesifikator

🇲🇽 especificador

Etymology

The word 'specifier' originated from the Latin word 'speciālis', meaning 'of a kind' or 'particular'. Over time, it evolved in English to refer to a term used to specify or define something in various contexts, such as technical terms or grammar.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,358, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.