specify
[ spes-uh-fahy ]
verb (used with object),spec·i·fied, spec·i·fy·ing.
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
1First 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
Other 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for specify
specify
/ (ˈspɛsɪˌfaɪ) /
verb-fies, -fying or -fied (tr; may take a clause as object)
to refer to or state specifically
to state as a condition
to state or include in the specification of
Origin of specify
1C13: from Medieval Latin specificāre to describe
Derived 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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