specific

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Clearly and precisely stated or identified, not general or vague.

   Grammar: Often used before a noun, or after verbs like 'be' or 'get': 'a specific example', 'be specific'.

   Patterns

   • specific about something
   • specific to something
   • a specific example

   Can you give me a specific example of what you mean?

   She was very specific about the time she would arrive.

   The instructions are specific: use one cup of sugar, no more.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Relating to one particular thing or group, not to things in general.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'to': 'specific to this region'.

   Patterns

   • specific to something
   • a specific type of something

   This plant is specific to the desert climate.

   The problem is specific to older computers.

   They developed a vaccine specific to that virus.

Word forms

Common combinations

be specific about

Please be specific about which dates you need.

specific example

He gave a specific example to support his argument.

specific to

These rules are specific to our school.

specific purpose

She bought the land for a specific purpose.

specific information

The website provides specific information about train times.

Synonyms and how they differ

particular

Emphasizes one thing among many; 'specific' often adds the idea of exact detail.

precise

Focuses on accuracy and exactness; 'specific' can be less strict about exactness.

exact

Stresses complete correctness; 'specific' is more about being clear and detailed.

Opposites

Word family

specifically adverb

In a clear and exact way.

specify verb

To state something clearly and exactly.

specification noun

A detailed description of how something should be made or done.

specificity noun

The quality of being exact and detailed.

Commonly confused: specific or specifically?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “specific”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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