specify
Americanverb (used with object)
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to mention or name specifically or definitely; state in detail.
He did not specify the amount needed.
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to give a specific character to.
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to set forth as a specification.
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to name or state as a condition.
He specified that he be given my power of attorney.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to refer to or state specifically
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to state as a condition
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to state or include in the specification of
Other Word Forms
- misspecified adjective
- nonspecified adjective
- prespecify verb (used with object)
- respecify verb
- specificative adjective
- specificatively adverb
- specifier noun
- underspecified adjectiveunderspecified, underspecifying
- underspecify verb (used with object)
- unspecified adjective
- unspecifying adjective
Etymology
Origin of specify
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Each workout came with easy-to-follow video demonstrations, specified the number of sets and weight for the move and included short context about how the session helps with my aspirations.
The US president did not specify what action Washington might take.
From BBC
Officials didn’t specify how many of the 40 people who died had been formally identified.
In his post, the US president did not specify what action Washington could take against the Iranian authorities.
From BBC
The settlement specified that Iswarienko would hand over his photographs no later than Sept. 1, 2024, making him “14 months delinquent.”
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
