specify

[ spes-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, spec·i·fied, spec·i·fy·ing.

1. to mention or name specifically or definitely; state in detail:

   He did not specify the amount needed.

   Synonyms: stipulate, enumerate, indicate, detail

2. to give a specific character to.
3. to set forth as a specification.
4. to name or state as a condition:

   He specified that he be given my power of attorney.

verb (used without object)

, spec·i·fied, spec·i·fy·ing.

1. to make a specific mention or statement.

specify

/ ˈspɛsɪfɪˌkeɪtɪv; ˈspɛsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to refer to or state specifically
2. to state as a condition
3. to state or include in the specification of

Derived Forms

• specificative, adjective
• ˈspeciˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• spec·i·fi·ca·tive [spes, -, uh, -fi-key-tiv], adjective
• speci·fi·cative·ly adverb
• speci·fier noun
• mis·speci·fied adjective
• non·speci·fied adjective
• pre·speci·fy verb (used with object) prespecified prespecifying
• re·speci·fy verb respecified respecifying
• under·speci·fied adjective
• under·speci·fy verb (used with object) underspecified underspecifying
• un·speci·fied adjective
• un·speci·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of specify¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of specify¹

C13: from Medieval Latin specificāre to describe

Example Sentences

At last month's Budget, the government said it planned to "increase the core government grant for police forces," although it did not specify whether this would be in cash terms or taking account of inflation.

From BBC

Around 10:15 a.m., the department said, the responding teams “rendered the bag safe,” though officials did not specify how.

From Los Angeles Times

Musk did not specify if he would aim to deliver $2 trillion in savings in a single year, or over a longer period, but many US public finance experts, including those who are in favour in principle of reductions in US government spending, are sceptical savings on such a scale can be found in the near term without either a collapse in the delivery of important government functions or sparking major public resistance.

From BBC

The company did not specify when Freevee services will be fully phased out, but said the “Watch for Free” feature will be available on Prime Video detail pages in the coming weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

While most of the anonymous officers suing the city claimed they were working undercover assignments at the time of the “inadvertent release,” according to Corea, they failed to specify the dates or durations of their assignments.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cite
• define
• determine
• enumerate
• establish
• fix
• indicate
• lay out
• limit
• mention
• point out
• spell out
• stipulate