specify

verb

spec·​i·​fy ˈspe-sə-ˌfī 

specified; specifying

transitive verb

1

: to name or state explicitly or in detail

2

: to include as an item in a specification

specifiable

ˌspe-sə-ˈfī-ə-bəl 

adjective

specifier

ˈspe-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

noun

Synonyms

• define
• lay down
• prescribe

Examples of specify in a Sentence

Can you specify the cause of the argument?

Specify the color and quantity when you order.

He clearly specified California wine.

The instructions do not specify what kind of screws to use.

All subscriptions are for one year unless otherwise specified.

At the specified time, we rang the bell.

She agreed to the terms specified in the contract.

Recent Examples on the Web

The post doesn’t specify the date of when the changes will take effect. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 22 June 2024

Officials did not specify what will happen with the gold artifact but it will likely be taken to a laboratory for further analysis. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 20 June 2024

The California city did not specify what type of shark attacked Adams. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 20 June 2024

Some of those proceeds will go toward athletes training for the Olympics, although David Lauren wouldn’t specify how the funds are split up. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing specify

• pre-specify

Kids Definition

specify

verb

spec·​i·​fy ˈspes-ə-ˌfī 

specified; specifying

1

: to name or mention exactly and clearly

specify the cause

2

: to include in a specification

specify oak flooring