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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use specify in a sentence
Olsen said he offered to revoke the ban, which he said the software triggered automatically, if Johnson or the university specified Johnson’s IP address.
Cheating-detection companies made millions during the pandemic. Now students are fighting back. | Drew Harwell | November 12, 2020 | Washington PostShe didn’t specify what was wrong with individual plans but said they lacked a means for measuring whether Metro was following through.
Metro’s plans to correct safety deficiencies in its rail operations center sent back for more work | Justin George | November 11, 2020 | Washington PostMcDonald’s, however, did not specify which suppliers it would use globally for its new platform.
The company declined to specify where it increased spending, only that it was on “other media.”
The Facebook ad boycott ended months ago. But some big companies continue the fight | Danielle Abril | November 7, 2020 | FortuneSpotify says the new program is an experiment, and hasn’t specified exactly how much lower the streaming rate would be for promoted songs.
The law specifies businesses with “public accommodations,” but—in effect—that covers almost everything.
But the constitution also specifies that mandatory individual agreements with the government are required.
In Italy, Religious Minorities Struggle (Vainly) for Official Recognition | Anna Momigliano | November 14, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTThe FEC narrowed the rule to apply only when the donor specifies the money is going to a particular campaign ad.
Neither plan specifies how long these residual forces would remain by mutual agreement between Washington and Baghdad.
Unless some creditor objects and specifies his ground of objection, the petition will be granted.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney BollesUsually a lease specifies not only the amount of rent to be paid, but the time of payment.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney BollesIn one of his colophons he specifies Reading Abbey as his place of abode; for the others he merely says Reading.
The Age of Erasmus | P. S. AllenThe form appears upon the common matter and "specifies" it, and makes it what it is, bringing it from potentiality to actuality.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy | Isaac HusikDr. Preston himself even specifies one disease, in which he thinks a vegetable diet would be useful.
Vegetable Diet: As Sanctioned by Medical Men, and by Experience in All Ages | William Andrus Alcott
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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