Meaning & use
specify
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Meanings
verbtransitive
To say exactly what is wanted or required, giving clear details.
Grammar: Takes an object or a clause: specify the size, specify that the form be signed.
Patterns
- specify something
- specify that ...
- specify what/when/how ...
Please specify your preferred delivery date on the order form.
The contract specifies that payment is due within thirty days.
The recipe does not specify how long to bake the bread.
verbtransitive
To name or identify a particular item, person or detail rather than speaking in general.
Grammar: Often in the negative or with unless: unless otherwise specified.
Patterns
- unless otherwise specified
- specify a reason
The email did not specify which room the meeting would use.
Unless otherwise specified, all prices include tax.
Can you specify who gave you the instruction?
Word forms
| third person singular | specifies |
|---|---|
| past tense | specified |
| past participle | specified |
| -ing form | specifying |
Common combinations
- specify a date
- Specify a date that suits you and we will book it.
- clearly specify
- The rules clearly specify what counts as a foul.
- unless otherwise specified
- Unless otherwise specified, the offer lasts one week.
- specify requirements
- The client must specify the requirements before work begins.
- specify in writing
- Please specify your changes in writing.
Synonyms and how they differ
- state
- State just means to say something, while specify adds the idea of giving exact detail.
- stipulate
- Stipulate is stronger and legal in flavor, since it means to demand a condition, while specify only gives a detail.
- define
- Define explains what something means or its limits, whereas specify picks out the exact details wanted.
- designate
- Designate means to officially choose or name someone or something for a role, while specify gives exact details.
Opposites
Word family
- specific adjective
- clearly stated or particular, not general
- specification noun
- a detailed description of what is required
- specifically adverb
- in particular, or clearly and exactly
- specified adjective
- stated clearly or named in advance
Commonly confused: specify or specific?
specify vs specific
Specific is the adjective, as in a specific time, while specify is the verb: Please specify a time.
Practice
Choose the best word. The instructions ______ that all forms must be signed in ink.
Choose one answer.
Specify takes a that-clause and means to state exactly what is required. Speculate, speak and specialize do not take such a clause with this meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “specify”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.