particularize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “particularize” mean?
To describe or treat something in detail, specifying individual parts or instances.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To describe or treat something in detail, specifying individual parts or instances; to make specific or detailed.
To focus on or give attention to specific details, often distinguishing them from general principles. In legal or formal contexts, to enumerate or specify items distinctly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English occasionally accepts the alternative spelling 'particularise', though 'particularize' is more common in print. No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more common in American legal and academic writing. In British English, often perceived as a more formal alternative to 'specify'.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both varieties, but marginally more frequent in American professional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “particularize” in a Sentence
[Verb] + direct object (to particularize the allegations)[Verb] + prepositional phrase (to particularize on the points raised)[Verb] + adverb (to particularize fully)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “particularize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The report failed to particularize the sources of funding.
- Can you particularise the steps involved for the committee?
American English
- The complaint must particularize each alleged act of negligence.
- We need to particularize our objectives before the meeting.
adverb
British English
- The guidelines were written particularly clearly. (Note: 'particularly' is the standard adverb, not directly from 'particularize')
American English
- She explained the process particularly well. (Note: 'particularly' is the standard adverb, not directly from 'particularize')
adjective
British English
- The particularised schedule was appended to the contract.
- A more particularised account is required.
American English
- The particularized list of expenses was three pages long.
- He provided a highly particularized description of the event.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contracts or project specifications to demand detailed breakdowns of costs or deliverables.
Academic
Employed in research methodologies to describe the process of moving from a theoretical framework to specific, measurable instances.
Everyday
Virtually unused in casual conversation; would sound overly formal.
Technical
Common in legal documents where plaintiffs must particularize their claims with specific facts and evidence.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “particularize”
- Using it intransitively without a clear object (e.g., 'He particularized' is incomplete; needs 'He particularized his grievances').
- Confusing it with 'specialize', which means to focus on a specific field, not to provide details.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in academic, legal, and technical writing.
'Specify' is more common and general. 'Particularize' implies a more systematic, detailed, and often exhaustive listing or description of individual components within a broader category.
No, the related noun forms are 'particularization' (the process) or 'particulars' (the specific details themselves).
It is neutral but can imply unnecessary or excessive detail in contexts where brevity is valued, thus potentially taking on a slightly negative, bureaucratic connotation.
To describe or treat something in detail, specifying individual parts or instances.
Particularize is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Particularize: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈtɪkjələrʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /pərˈtɪkjələˌraɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To particularize to a fault (to be overly specific)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'In the PARTICULARS, we particularize.' It's about getting into the particulars or details.
Conceptual Metaphor
ZOOMING IN (from a wide-angle view to a close-up on details).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is 'particularize' LEAST likely to be used?