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.
Rolling Stone didn’t say where Gadson died or specify a cause but said the drummer’s wife, Barbara, had confirmed the news; she told the magazine that Gadson had experienced a fall recently and undergone surgery.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
The state media didn’t specify how much the tolls would be.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
The navy did not specify the identities or nationalities of the crew members on the missing boats, but said it was maintaining communication with rescue agencies in Poland, France, Cuba and the United States.
From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026
The UN resolution does not specify an amount.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
The same argument is made by telephone operators, who’ll place a call outside the country for you only after you specify the location in Kinshasa where you’ll leave I’enveloppe containing your bribe.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
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.
