Specify: meaning, definitions and examples

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specify

 

[ ˈspɛsɪˌfaɪ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

to give details

To specify means to give details or specific information about something. When you specify something, you make it clear and precise by providing specific details or instructions.

Synonyms

define, describe, detail

Examples of usage

  • He specified the color and size of the car he wanted to buy.
  • Please specify your dietary requirements when booking the event.
Context #2 | Verb

in programming

In programming, to specify is to set a particular value or option for a variable, function, or command. It involves explicitly stating the desired behavior or configuration.

Synonyms

determine, indicate, set

Examples of usage

  • You need to specify the file path in the command line to access the document.
  • The developer forgot to specify the data type for the variable.
Context #3 | Noun

in contracts

In legal and contractual contexts, a specification is a detailed description of the requirements or standards that must be met. It outlines the specific features, materials, or terms of an agreement.

Synonyms

description, requirements, standards

Examples of usage

  • The builder reviewed the project specifications before starting construction.
  • The specifications for the software development project were clearly defined in the contract.

Translations

Translations of the word "specify" in other languages:

🇵🇹 especificar

🇮🇳 निर्दिष्ट करना (nirdisht karna)

🇩🇪 spezifizieren

🇮🇩 menentukan

🇺🇦 уточнювати

🇵🇱 określić

🇯🇵 指定する (shiteisuru)

🇫🇷 spécifier

🇪🇸 especificar

🇹🇷 belirlemek

🇰🇷 지정하다 (jijeonghada)

🇸🇦 حدد (haddad)

🇨🇿 upřesnit

🇸🇰 špecifikovať

🇨🇳 指定 (zhǐdìng)

🇸🇮 določiti

🇮🇸 tilgreina

🇰🇿 нақтылау

🇬🇪 განსაზღვრა (gansazghvra)

🇦🇿 müəyyənləşdirmək

🇲🇽 especificar

Etymology

The word 'specify' originates from the Latin word 'specifycare', which means 'to mention, relate to specifically'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in English, emphasizing the act of providing explicit details or instructions. The term has been widely used in various fields, including language, programming, and legal contexts, reflecting its importance in precise communication and specification of requirements.

See also: spec, specific, specimen, specs.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,524, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.