Specific — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /spi-ˈsi-fik/ spe·cif·ic

Meaning & Definition of Specific

Specific (adjective)

  1. constituting or falling into a specifiable category
  2. sharing or being those properties of something that allow it to be referred to a particular category
  3. restricted to a particular individual, situation, relation, or effect

Specific (noun)

  1. something peculiarly adapted to a purpose or use
  2. a drug or remedy having a specific mitigating effect on a disease
  3. a characteristic quality or trait

Specific (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. of a particular or exact sort

    "we need a specific type of pen to sign the diplomas"

    similar: concrete, distinct, especial, express, peculiar, precise, set, special
    related: lone, only, separate, single, sole, solitary, distinctive, exclusive, individual, unique, limited, restricted, differentiated, specialized, given, specified
    opposite: nonspecific
    near: general, generalized, generic, nonexclusive, universal

  2. so clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning

    "specific instructions regarding the interrogation of prisoners"

    similar: clear-cut, definite, definitive, explicit, express, unambiguous, unequivocal, univocal
    related: avowed, declared, specified, stated, categorical, complete, comprehensive, exhaustive, full, certain, sure, unmistakable, clear, distinct, lucid, well-defined, exact, precise, direct, literal, plain, simple, straightforward, comprehensible, intelligible, understandable
    opposite: implicit, implied, inferred, ambiguous, circuitous, equivocal, indefinite, inexplicit, unspecific, vague
    near: cryptic, dark, enigmatic, obscure, unclear, imprecise, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, incomprehensible, unintelligible

Specific (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a single piece of information

    "although the speech was long on rhetoric and platitudinous generalities, it lacked specifics"

    similar: datum, detail, fact, nicety, particular, particularity, point
    related: article, item, component, constituent, element, ingredient, member, part, aspect, circumstance, facet, factor, evidence, exhibit, database, information, knowledge
    near: error, fallacy, falsehood, inaccuracy, misconception, misstatement, myth

  2. something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind

    "the two submissions differ only in certain specifics"

    similar: affection, attribute, attribution, character, characteristic, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, stamp, touch, trait
    related: badge, indication, sign, emblem, symbol, token, charm, grace, excellence, merit, virtue, eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk, individuality, singularity, uniqueness

  3. a substance or preparation used to treat disease

    "quinine is a specific for malaria"

    similar: cure, drug, medicament, medication, medicinal, medicine, pharmaceutical, physic, remedy
    related: cure-all, nostrum, panacea, botanical, patent medicine, prescription, prescription drug, cordial, potion, tonic, miracle drug, wonder drug, cap, capsule, pill, tablet, injection, shot, embrocation, liniment, lotion, ointment, poultice, salve, syrup, tincture, antibiotic, antiseptic, serum, cathartic, purgative

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Specific

The most common words with a similar meaning to Specific:

concrete, distinct, especial, express, peculiar, precise, set, special, clear-cut, definite, definitive, explicit, unambiguous, unequivocal, univocal, datum, detail, fact, nicety, particular, particularity, point, affection, attribute, attribution, character, characteristic, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, peculiarity, property, quality, stamp

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Specific

Words with the opposite meaning of Specific:

nonspecific, implicit, implied, inferred, ambiguous, circuitous, equivocal, indefinite, inexplicit, unspecific, vague

Related Words for Specific

lone, only, separate, single, sole, solitary, distinctive, exclusive, individual, unique, limited, restricted, differentiated, specialized, given, specified, avowed, declared, stated, categorical, complete, comprehensive, exhaustive, full, certain, sure, unmistakable, clear, lucid, well-defined

Near Antonyms of Specific

general, generalized, generic, nonexclusive, universal, cryptic, dark, enigmatic, obscure, unclear, imprecise, inaccurate, incorrect, inexact, incomprehensible, unintelligible, error, fallacy, falsehood, inaccuracy, misconception, misstatement, myth

Origin & Etymology of Specific

Late Latin specificus, from Latin species

First known use: circa 1631

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Specific

Words & Phrases Containing Specific

-specific, specific epithet, specific gravity, specific heat, specific impulse, specific performance, application-specific integrated circuit, prostate-specific antigen

Frequently Asked Questions about Specific

What does "Specific" mean?

"Specific" means constituting or falling into a specifiable category. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: constituting or falling into a specifiable category. It has 5 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Specific"?

Other words for "Specific" include concrete, distinct, especial, express, peculiar, precise, set and special. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Specific" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Specific"?

There are 156 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Specific". Common alternatives include concrete, distinct, especial, express, peculiar, precise, set, special, clear-cut and definite.

What is the opposite of "Specific"?

Antonyms of "Specific" include nonspecific, implicit, implied, inferred, ambiguous, circuitous, equivocal and indefinite. Near antonyms include general, generalized, generic and nonexclusive.

How do you use "Specific" in a sentence?

Examples of "Specific" in a sentence: "we need a specific type of pen to sign the diplomas"; "specific instructions regarding the interrogation of prisoners"; "although the speech was long on rhetoric and platitudinous generalities, it lacked specifics".

Is "Specific" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Specific" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Specific" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Specific" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Specific"?

"Specific" is pronounced /spi-ˈsi-fik/ and divided into syllables as spe·cif·ic.