Specify

Pronunciation: /ˈspɛsəˌfaɪ/

Definitions of specify

verb to clearly and precisely indicate or define something

Example Sentences

A1 Please specify the color of the car.

A2 Can you specify which book you are referring to?

B1 It is important to specify the exact time of the meeting.

B2 The contract clearly specifies the responsibilities of each party.

C1 The instructions specify that all documents must be submitted in PDF format.

C2 The terms of the agreement specify the consequences of a breach of contract.

Examples of specify in a Sentence

formal Please specify the exact measurements needed for the project.

informal Can you specify which movie you want to watch tonight?

slang Just specify your favorite toppings for the pizza.

figurative She couldn't specify the source of her anxiety, it was just a feeling she couldn't shake.

Grammatical Forms of specify

• past tense: specified
• plural: specifies
• comparative: more specific
• superlative: most specific
• present tense: specifies
• future tense: will specify
• perfect tense: has specified
• continuous tense: is specifying
• singular: specifies
• positive degree: specific
• infinitive: specify
• gerund: specifying
• participle: specified

Origin and Evolution of specify

First Known Use: 0014 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'specify' originated from the Latin word 'specifīcāre', which is a combination of 'speciēs' (meaning 'kind' or 'sort') and 'facere' (meaning 'to make').

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the 14th century, the word 'specify' has evolved to mean to clearly define or identify something in detail.