specify

[ spes-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, spec·i·fied, spec·i·fy·ing.

1. to mention or name specifically or definitely; state in detail:

   He did not specify the amount needed.

   Synonyms: stipulate, enumerate, indicate, detail

2. to give a specific character to.
3. to set forth as a specification.
4. to name or state as a condition:

   He specified that he be given my power of attorney.

verb (used without object)

, spec·i·fied, spec·i·fy·ing.

1. to make a specific mention or statement.

specify

/ ˈspɛsɪˌfaɪ; ˈspɛsɪfɪˌkeɪtɪv /

verb

1. to refer to or state specifically
2. to state as a condition
3. to state or include in the specification of

Derived Forms

• ˈspeciˌfier, noun
• specificative, adjective

Other Words From

• spec·i·fi·ca·tive [spes, -, uh, -fi-key-tiv], 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) prespecified prespecifying
• re·speci·fy verb respecified respecifying
• under·speci·fied adjective
• under·speci·fy verb (used with object) underspecified underspecifying
• un·speci·fied adjective
• un·speci·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of specify¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English specyfyen, from Old French specifier, from Medieval Latin specificāre “to describe, mention particularly,” from specific(us) specific + āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of specify¹

C13: from Medieval Latin specificāre to describe

Example Sentences

If you’re following a recipe and there’s a broiling step included, it should specify where in the oven to put your pan.

From Eater

It has not specified what information the passport will contain, nor has it even issued a call for tenders yet.

From MIT Technology Review

However, this understates the true burden attributed to police because some towns didn’t specify how the total was divided among their employees.

From ProPublica

Moor said he didn’t have a problem with officers receiving gold badges, but he felt the contract should specify a size and price.

From ProPublica

However, the department has refused to specify what those changes might entail.

From ProPublica

He declined to specify which details had raised this concern.

From The Daily Beast

Carney declined to specify how the decision to indict Chinese officials publicly was coordinated with the White House.

From The Daily Beast

Miftakhov did not specify what ‘things’ were and (the officer) did not ask him to specify.

From The Daily Beast

People blindly following instructions may not realize they have microwaves with a wattage lower than the instructions specify.

From The Daily Beast

But I would like to see someone specify how far we could cut.

From The Daily Beast

Yet he forebore to specify his injuries; saying, that to name them, would be to stigmatize the whole human race.

From Project Gutenberg

There were plenty of ladylike things girls could do, she said, but did not give herself the trouble to specify.

From Project Gutenberg

I need only specify Miss Ross and friend, name unknown—to assure you of the high respectability of the assemblage.

From Project Gutenberg

They did not specify the “it,” but they were quite convinced of the oddity.

From Project Gutenberg

In conclusion, since everybody likes to have a feast now and then, I specify that my diet regimen allows for holidays.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cite
• define
• determine
• enumerate
• establish
• fix
• indicate
• lay out
• limit
• mention
• point out
• spell out
• stipulate