specify
B2Neutral to formal; common in technical, legal, business, and academic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To state something clearly, precisely, and explicitly; to identify or define particular details, requirements, or conditions.
To select or designate something for a particular purpose; to include something as a necessary condition in an agreement or set of instructions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate act of making details clear to avoid ambiguity. Often used when giving instructions, requirements, or in technical specifications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slight variation in preferred collocates in technical fields (e.g., British English may favour 'specify in the contract', American English 'specify under the agreement').
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Carries connotations of precision, formality, and authority.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
specify + noun/noun phrase (transitive)specify + that-clausespecify + wh-clause (e.g., how, when, where)specify + noun + for + noun (e.g., specify a colour for the logo)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The devil is in the details (related concept, stressing the importance of specifying)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in contracts, project briefs, and procurement: 'The client did not specify a deadline.'
Academic
Used in research methodologies and instructions: 'The study protocol must specify the inclusion criteria.'
Everyday
Used when giving clear instructions: 'Could you specify which flavour you'd like?'
Technical
Crucial in engineering, computing, and design: 'The software specification specifies the required operating system.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please specify your dietary requirements on the form.
- The regulations specify that all materials must be fire-resistant.
- The architect failed to specify which type of timber should be used.
American English
- You need to specify a shipping address at checkout.
- The manual doesn't specify how to reset the device.
- The contract specifies a 30-day payment period.
adverb
British English
- (Not primary. Derived: 'specifically') I asked specifically for the report to be filed by noon.
American English
- (Not primary. Derived: 'specifically') The law is specifically designed to protect consumers.
adjective
British English
- (Not primary. Derived: 'specifiable', 'specified') The specified deadline is next Friday.
American English
- (Not primary. Derived: 'specifiable', 'specified') Use only the specified tools for the job.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Specify your name here.
- The recipe doesn't specify the sugar amount.
- Can you specify which day you are available?
- The rules specify that mobile phones must be switched off.
- The application must specify the candidate's relevant work experience.
- The lease agreement clearly specifies the tenant's responsibilities.
- The treaty specifies the exact maritime boundaries between the two nations.
- Failure to specify the assay methodology invalidates the experimental results.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SPECS (specifications) + IFY (to make). To specify is to make the specs clear.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLARITY IS LIGHT / PRECISION IS SHARPNESS. Specifying details is like shining a light on them or sharpening a blurred image.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not synonymous with just 'say' or 'tell' (сказать). Implies precision and explicitness, closer to 'уточнить', 'оговаривать', 'предусматривать'.
- Distinguish from 'specialise' (специализироваться).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'specify about' (incorrect preposition; use 'specify' directly: ✗ 'He specified about the time.' ✓ 'He specified the time.')
- Confusing with 'speculate'.
- Using in overly vague contexts where 'mention' or 'say' would be more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'specify' used MOST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Specify' often means to state a requirement or a single piece of information clearly. 'Detail' (as a verb) usually means to provide many specifics or describe something comprehensively. 'Specify the colour' vs. 'Detail the entire plan'.
It is neutral but leans towards formal contexts like business, law, and academia. In everyday speech, 'say exactly' or 'tell me specifically' might be more common.
No, not directly. It is typically followed by a noun, a that-clause, or a wh-clause (how, when, what). ✗ 'He specified to use red paint.' ✓ 'He specified that we should use red paint.' or 'He specified using red paint.'
The primary noun forms are 'specification' (a detailed description) and 'specific' (though 'specific' is mainly an adjective).