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definitions

specify

[ spes-uh-fahy ]
/ ˈspɛs əˌfaɪ /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR specify ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

verb (used without object), spec·i·fied, spec·i·fy·ing.

to make a specific mention or statement.

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RELATED WORDS

stated, detailed, named, described

Nearby words

  1. specific volume,
  2. specifically,
  3. specification,
  4. specificity,
  5. specifics,
  6. specimen,
  7. specimen plant,
  8. speciosity,
  9. specious,
  10. specious present

Origin of specify

1250–1300; Middle English specyfyen < Old French specifier < Medieval Latin specificāre. See specific, -fy
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for specified

British Dictionary definitions for specified

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
Derived Formsspecificative (ˈspɛsɪfɪˌkeɪtɪv), adjectivespecifier, noun

Word Origin for specify

C13: from Medieval Latin specificāre to describe
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