specialize

[ spesh-uh-lahyz ]

/ ˈspɛʃ əˌlaɪz /

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See synonyms for: specialize / specialized / specializes / specializing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), spe·cial·ized, spe·cial·iz·ing.

to pursue some special line of study, work, etc.; have a specialty: The doctor specializes in gastroenterology.

Biology. (of an organism or one of its organs) to be adapted to a special function or environment.

verb (used with object), spe·cial·ized, spe·cial·iz·ing.

to render special or specific; invest with a special character, function, etc.

to adapt to special conditions; restrict to specific limits.

to restrict payment of (a negotiable instrument) by endorsing over to a specific payee.

to specify; particularize.

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Also especially British, spe·cial·ise .

Origin of specialize

From the French word spécialiser, dating back to 1605–15; see special, -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM specialize

spe·cial·i·za·tion

[spesh-uh-lahy-zey-shuhn], /ˌspɛʃ ə laɪˈzeɪ ʃən/, nounnon·spe·cial·iz·ing, adjectiveo·ver·spe·cial·ize, verb, o·ver·spe·cial·ized, o·ver·spe·cial·iz·ing.pre·spe·cial·ize, verb (used without object), pre·spe·cial·ized, pre·spe·cial·iz·ing.

sub·spe·cial·ize, verb, sub·spe·cial·ized, sub·spe·cial·iz·ing.su·per·spe·cial·ize, verb (used without object), su·per·spe·cial·ized, su·per·spe·cial·iz·ing.un·spe·cial·iz·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use specialize in a sentence

Specialising in history was an elastic activity, and might mean a few hours a week in which to read up political economy.
The Loom of Youth|Alec Waugh
In weaving there is even more intricate division of labour, each town or district specialising upon some particular line of goods.
The Evolution of Modern Capitalism|John Atkinson Hobson
In the ever greater and greater specialising of science which has taken place, Huxley was chiefly a morphologist.
A History of Nineteenth Century Literature (1780-1895)|George Saintsbury
After due reflection I decided to start as a launderer, specialising in washing shirts at ten pfennigs, or one penny, apiece.
Sixteen Months in Four German Prisons|Henry Charles Mahoney

His heart, I think, began by being fairly large, but got contracted through specialising in this passion.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 158, June 23, 1920|Various

British Dictionary definitions for specialize

specialize

specialise

/ (ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz) /

verb

(intr) to train in or devote oneself to a particular area of study, occupation, or activity

(usually passive) to cause (organisms or their parts) to develop in a way most suited to a particular environment or way of life or (of organisms, etc) to develop in this way

(tr) to modify or make suitable for a special use or purpose

(tr) to mention specifically; specify

(tr) to endorse (a commercial paper) to a specific payee

Derived forms of specialize

specialization or specialisation, 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

specialize

Origin of specialize

OTHER WORDS FROM specialize

Words related to specialize

How to use specialize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for specialize

specialise

Derived forms of specialize