specify
AI In plain words
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Written by a house AI from the entry below, in your language. The entry itself is the source.
specify
- /ˈspɛs.ɪ.faɪ/ UK
- /ˈspɛs.əˌfaɪ/ US
Where it comes from
From Middle English specifien, from Old French specifier, especefier, or directly from Medieval Latin specificō, from specificus (“specific”).
verb specifies · specifying · specified
- To state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition. 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.
- To include in a specification. 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.
- To bring about a specific result.
- To speak explicitly or in detail (often used with of). Forthermar o þis lecheri / Agh i þe noght to specifie[…]
Similar: explicitize, disambiguate, call, call out, clarify, clear up, get something straight, name, narrow down, nominate, particularize, singularize
