specialize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “specialize” mean?
To concentrate on and become an expert in a particular subject, skill, or type of product.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To concentrate on and become an expert in a particular subject, skill, or type of product.
To adapt or design something for a specific purpose or function; in biology, to evolve to perform a particular role or live in a specific environment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily spelling: British English prefers 'specialise', American English 'specialize'. Pronunciation is consistent.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotations. The sense of professional focus is identical.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within their respective spelling conventions.
Grammar
How to Use “specialize” in a Sentence
Subject + specialize + in + NP (She specializes in tax law.)Subject + specialize + as + NP (He specialized as a paediatric surgeon.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “specialize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The consultant decided to specialise in renewable energy projects.
- Many universities encourage students to specialise early.
American English
- The clinic specializes in sports injuries.
- He plans to specialize as a criminal defense attorney.
adverb
British English
- The team works highly specialisedly in that domain.
American English
- The training is very specially/specifically designed. (Note: 'specializedly' is grammatically possible but rare and awkward; rephrasing is preferred.)
adjective
British English
- She has highly specialised knowledge in medieval manuscripts.
American English
- We need a more specialized tool for this task.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to companies focusing on a niche market or product line to gain competitive advantage.
Academic
Describes a student or researcher focusing on a specific sub-field within a broader discipline.
Everyday
Used to describe a professional's area of expertise (e.g., a mechanic who specializes in classic cars).
Technical
In biology/medicine, describes cells, organs, or organisms adapted for a specific function.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “specialize”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “specialize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “specialize”
- Using it transitively without 'in' (Wrong: *He specializes tax law. Correct: He specializes IN tax law.)
- Spelling confusion between British/American variants.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Specialize' is the American English spelling. 'Specialise' is the British English spelling. The 'z' is used in the US, and the 's' is typically used in the UK, Australia, etc.
No, it is almost always intransitive and requires the preposition 'in' to connect to its object (e.g., specialize in biology). The related adjective 'specialized' can be used transitively in passive constructions (e.g., The tool is specialized for cutting metal).
The primary noun forms are 'specialization' (AmE) / 'specialisation' (BrE) meaning the process or result, and 'specialist', meaning the person who specializes.
'Major in' is used almost exclusively for a student's primary subject at a university or college. 'Specialize' is broader and can be used for any professional, academic, or business focus at any stage of a career.
To concentrate on and become an expert in a particular subject, skill, or type of product.
Specialize is usually neutral to formal in register.
Specialize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspeʃ.əl.aɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspeʃ.ə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Jack of all trades, master of none (antithetical concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPECIAList with sharp EYES (I's) – a specialist has sharp eyes focused on one area.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/PROFESSION IS A JOURNEY (narrowing your path, focusing your route).
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition most commonly follows the verb 'specialize'?