Specify — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈspe-sə-ˌfī/ spec·i·fy

Meaning & Definition of Specify

Specify (verb)

  1. to name or state explicitly or in detail
  2. to include as an item in a specification

Specify (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly

    "the document specifies precisely how you may use the information it contains"

    similar: define, lay down, prescribe
    related: decree, dictate, ordain, assign, direct, fix, set, settle, arrange, order, choose, select, adjure, bid, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, tell, conduct, control, govern, lead, manage, coerce, compel, constrain, force, obligate, oblige, require

  2. to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically

    "police reports didn't specify the model of car the robbers were driving"

    similar: advert (to), cite, drop, instance, mention, name, note, notice, quote, refer (to), touch (on or upon)
    related: allude (to), hint (at), imply, indicate, infer, intend, intimate, suggest, point (out), signal, signify, denominate, designate, bring up, broach, interject, interpolate, interpose, introduce, infiltrate, insinuate, worm, advertise, announce, broadcast, declare, proclaim, pronounce, publicize, publish, sound, clarify, clear (up), elucidate, explain, explicate, spell out
    near: disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Specify

The most common words with a similar meaning to Specify:

define, lay down, prescribe, advert (to), cite, drop, instance, mention, name, note, notice, quote, refer (to), touch (on or upon)

Related Words for Specify

decree, dictate, ordain, assign, direct, fix, set, settle, arrange, order, choose, select, adjure, bid, charge, command, enjoin, instruct, tell, conduct, control, govern, lead, manage, coerce, compel, constrain, force, obligate, oblige

Near Antonyms of Specify

disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight

Word Forms of Specify

Inflections: specified, specifying

Derived words: specifiable (adjective), specifier (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Specify

Middle English specifien, from Anglo-French specifier, from Late Latin specificare, from specificus

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Specify

  • Topics: Common Actions / Verbs

Words & Phrases Containing Specify

prespecify

Frequently Asked Questions about Specify

What does "Specify" mean?

"Specify" means to name or state explicitly or in detail. As a verb, it is defined as: to name or state explicitly or in detail. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Specify"?

Other words for "Specify" include define, lay down, prescribe, advert (to), cite, drop, instance and mention. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Specify" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Specify"?

There are 82 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Specify". Common alternatives include define, lay down, prescribe, advert (to), cite, drop, instance, mention, name and note.

How do you use "Specify" in a sentence?

Examples of "Specify" in a sentence: "the document specifies precisely how you may use the information it contains"; "police reports didn't specify the model of car the robbers were driving".

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

"Specify" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Specify"?

"Specify" is pronounced /ˈspe-sə-ˌfī/ and divided into syllables as spec·i·fy.

What is the origin of the word "Specify"?

"Specify" comes from Middle English specifien, from Anglo-French specifier, from Late Latin specificare, from specificus. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Specify" meaning "to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly"?

When "Specify" (verb) means to give the rules about (something) clearly and exactly, synonyms include define, lay down and prescribe.