specify

/ˌspɛsəˈfaɪ/

/ˈspɛsɪfaɪ/

Other forms: specified; specifying; specifies

To explicitly name something or state a particular detail, you specify that thing. So, when you have a craving for dessert and you send someone to the store to buy ice cream, you may want to specify a flavor.

If you assign something for a particular purpose, this verb means that you specify. Your parents can specify for safety's sake that you can only ride your bicycle on the sidewalk and not on the street. Another use of the verb specify is to give a set of requirements. If you have your grandmother's old recipe for snickerdoodle cookies, you may wonder what the recipe means when it specifies that you should add "a smidgen of molasses."

Definitions of specify

1. verb

   be specific about
   “Could you please specify your criticism of my paper?”

   synonyms: particularise, particularize, specialise, specialize

   antonyms:

   generalize

   speak or write in generalities

   types:

   spell out

   make explicit; specify in detail

   type of:

   dilate, elaborate, enlarge, expand, expatiate, exposit, expound, flesh out

   add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing
2. verb

   define clearly
   synonyms: nail down, narrow, narrow down, peg down, pin down

   types:

   concretise, concretize

   make something concrete

   type of:

   determine

   fix in scope; fix the boundaries of
3. verb

   decide upon or fix definitely
   “specify the parameters”

   synonyms: define, determine, fix, limit, set

   types:

   quantify

   use as a quantifier

   name

   mention and identify by name

   reset

   set anew

   define

   give a definition for the meaning of a word

   redefine

   give a new or different definition of (a word)

   type of:

   choose, pick out, select, take

   pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
4. verb

   select something or someone for a specific purpose
   synonyms: assign, set apart

   types:

   dedicate

   set apart to sacred uses with solemn rites, of a church

   detail

   assign to a specific task

   type of:

   choose, pick out, select, take

   pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
5. verb

   determine the essential quality of
   synonyms: define, delimit, delimitate, delineate

   types:

   determine

   fix in scope; fix the boundaries of

   redefine

   give a new or different definition to

   nail down, narrow, narrow down, peg down, pin down

   define clearly

   type of:

   be

   have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)
6. verb

   specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement
   synonyms: condition, qualify, stipulate

   stipulate

   give a guarantee or promise of

   types:

   provide

   determine (what is to happen in certain contingencies), especially by including a proviso condition or stipulation

   type of:

   contract, undertake

   enter into a contractual arrangement
7. verb

   design or destine
   synonyms: designate, destine, intend

   types:

   mean

   destine or designate for a certain purpose

   design

   plan something for a specific role or purpose or effect

   slate

   designate or schedule

   aim, calculate, direct

   specifically design a product, event, or activity for a certain public

   type of:

   plan

   make plans for something