Specify

/ˈspɛs.ɪ.faɪ/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition.
2. (transitive) To include in a specification.
3. (transitive) To bring about a specific result.
4. (intransitive, obsolete) To speak explicitly or in detail (often used with of).

Example Sentences

I was nevere somouned, ne never hadde tydynges of this matier but by seyd lettres and other fleying tales that I heve herd sithen, ne nevere hadde to do more with the seyd John Wortes than is specified in the seyd instruccion.

Thanne after came A riall ordenaunce, / Too myghty princes with a grete pusaunce, / ffro Masedeyn and owt of Arkadye, / Ther cowde no man the nowmber specifie.

But there is no need of specifying particulars in this class of uses. The catalogue is endless, and the examples so obvious, that I shall leave them to the reader’s reflection, with the general remark, that this mercenary benefit is one which has respect to a farther good. A man is fed, not that he may be fed, but that he may work.

It seems to me that whoever at the Department of Transport or the train operating companies, or both, is specifying the standard of seats these days has taken leave of their senses and opted for cheapness over comfort.

Forthermar o þis lecheri / Agh i þe noght to specifie[…]

Synonyms for specify

Antonyms for specify

Related Words

Word Forms

• specifies
• specifying
• specified

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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