specify

verb

USSPES-uh-fy/ˈspɛs.əˌfaɪ/UKSPES-i-fy/ˈspɛs.ɪ.faɪ/

Formsspecifies, specifying, specified

4 meanings of specify

1
verbtransitive
To say clearly and exactly what you want or mean.
Like writing down exactly what you want so there is no confusion.
Please specify which size you need.
She specified the exact time for the meeting.
Similarstate, stipulate, indicate, detail, define
Note
2
verbtransitive
To name something as a required part of a design or plan.
Like adding an item to a shopping list so it is sure to be bought.
The architect specified oak flooring for the lobby.
Engineers specify the materials before building starts.
Similarrequire, prescribe, stipulate, mandate
Note
3
verbtransitive
To cause one exact result rather than another.
These genes specify the color of the flower.
Chemical signals in a young plant specify which cells will grow into leaves.
Similardetermine, encode, dictate, govern

Less common meaning

4
verbobsoleteintransitive
To talk about something clearly and with all the details.
Like telling a long story and leaving nothing out.
The old captain would specify of his voyages for hours.
He specified of the plan to anyone who would listen.
Note

Practice

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Origin

It came from Old French and Latin words meaning "specific."