specify
to mention or name specifically or definitely; state in detail: He did not specify the amount needed.
to give a specific character to.
to set forth as a specification.
to name or state as a condition: He specified that he be given my power of attorney.
Origin of specify
1Other words for specify
Other words from specify
- spec·i·fi·ca·tive [spes-uh-fi-key-tiv], /ˈspɛs ə fɪˌkeɪ tɪv/, adjective
- spec·i·fi·ca·tive·ly, adverb
- spec·i·fi·er, noun
- mis·spec·i·fied, adjective
- non·spec·i·fied, adjective
- pre·spec·i·fy, verb (used with object), pre·spec·i·fied, pre·spec·i·fy·ing.
- re·spec·i·fy, verb, re·spec·i·fied, re·spec·i·fy·ing.
- un·der·spec·i·fied, adjective
- un·der·spec·i·fy, verb (used with object), un·der·spec·i·fied, un·der·spec·i·fy·ing.
- un·spec·i·fied, adjective
- un·spec·i·fy·ing, adjective
Words Nearby specify
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use specify in a sentence
If you’re following a recipe and there’s a broiling step included, it should specify where in the oven to put your pan.
It has not specified what information the passport will contain, nor has it even issued a call for tenders yet.
Why Denmark’s “corona passport” is more of a promise than a plan | Bobbie Johnson | February 10, 2021 | MIT Technology ReviewHowever, this understates the true burden attributed to police because some towns didn’t specify how the total was divided among their employees.
How We Found Pricey Provisions in New Jersey Police Contracts | by Agnes Chang, Jeff Kao and Agnel Philip, ProPublica, and Andrew Ford, Asbury Park Press | February 8, 2021 | ProPublicaMoor said he didn’t have a problem with officers receiving gold badges, but he felt the contract should specify a size and price.
How the Police Bank Millions Through Their Union Contracts | by Andrew Ford, Asbury Park Press, and Agnes Chang, Jeff Kao and Agnel Philip, ProPublica | February 8, 2021 | ProPublicaHowever, the department has refused to specify what those changes might entail.
Hawaii’s Beaches Are Disappearing. New Legislation Could Help ... if It’s Enforced. | by Sophie Cocke, Honolulu Star-Advertiser | February 7, 2021 | ProPublica
He declined to specify which details had raised this concern.
Fired From Los Alamos for Pushing Obama's Nuclear Agenda | Center for Public Integrity | July 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTCarney declined to specify how the decision to indict Chinese officials publicly was coordinated with the White House.
Miftakhov did not specify what ‘things’ were and (the officer) did not ask him to specify.
Pennsylvania Student Proves You Could Buy Ingredients for a WMD on Amazon | Michael Daly | January 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTPeople blindly following instructions may not realize they have microwaves with a wattage lower than the instructions specify.
Be Afraid of Your Food: An Epidemiologist’s Sensible Advice | Amanda Kludt | March 16, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTBut I would like to see someone specify how far we could cut.
Yet he forebore to specify his injuries; saying, that to name them, would be to stigmatize the whole human race.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane PorterThere were plenty of ladylike things girls could do, she said, but did not give herself the trouble to specify.
Those Dale Girls | Frank Weston CarruthI need only specify Miss Ross and friend, name unknown—to assure you of the high respectability of the assemblage.
Alone | Marion HarlandThey did not specify the “it,” but they were quite convinced of the oddity.
The Mystery of a Turkish Bath | E.M. Gollan (AKA Rita)In conclusion, since everybody likes to have a feast now and then, I specify that my diet regimen allows for holidays.
The Book of Life: Vol. I Mind and Body; Vol. II Love and Society | Upton Sinclair
British Dictionary definitions for specify
/ (ˈspɛsɪˌfaɪ) /
to refer to or state specifically
to state as a condition
to state or include in the specification of
Origin of specify
1Derived forms of specify
- specificative (ˈspɛsɪfɪˌkeɪtɪv), adjective
- specifier, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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