specify — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   name

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   I was nevere somouned, ne never hadde tydynges of this matier but by seyd lettres and other fleying tales that I heve herd sithen, ne nevere hadde to do more with the seyd John Wortes than is specified in the seyd instruccion.

   Thanne after came A riall ordenaunce, / Too myghty princes with a grete pusaunce, / ffro Masedeyn and owt of Arkadye, / Ther cowde no man the nowmber specifie.

   More examples (1)

   But there is no need of specifying particulars in this class of uses. The catalogue is endless, and the examples so obvious, that I shall leave them to the reader’s reflection, with the general remark, that this mercenary benefit is one which has respect to a farther good. A man is fed, not that he may be fed, but that he may work.

2. To include in a specification.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   It seems to me that whoever at the Department of Transport or the train operating companies, or both, is specifying the standard of seats these days has taken leave of their senses and opted for cheapness over comfort.

3. To bring about a specific result.

   Usage

   • Transitive

4. To speak explicitly or in detail (often used with of).

   Usage

   • Intransitive
   • Obsolete

   Examples

   Forthermar o þis lecheri / Agh i þe noght to specifie[…]

Verb

1. specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement

   Synonyms

   stipulatequalifycondition

   Broader terms

   contractundertake

   Examples

   The will stipulates that she can live in the house for the rest of her life

   The contract stipulates the dates of the payments

2. decide upon or fix definitely

   Synonyms

   setdeterminedefinefixlimit

   Broader terms

   choosetakeselectpick out

   Examples

   fix the variables

   specify the parameters

3. determine the essential quality of

   Synonyms

   definedelineatedelimitdelimitate

   Broader terms

   determinefindfind outascertain

4. be specific about

   Synonyms

   particularizeparticularisespecializespecialise

   Antonyms

   generalize

   Broader terms

   elaboratelucubrateexpatiateexpositenlargeflesh outexpandexpounddilate

   Examples

   Could you please specify your criticism of my paper?

5. define clearly

   Synonyms

   pin downpeg downnail downnarrow downnarrow

   Broader terms

   determine

   Examples

   I cannot narrow down the rules for this game

6. design or destine

   Synonyms

   intenddestinedesignate

   Broader terms

   plan

   Examples

   She was intended to become the director

7. select something or someone for a specific purpose

   Synonyms

   assignset apart

   Broader terms

   choosetakeselectpick out

   Examples

   The teacher assigned him to lead his classmates in the exercise