Word a Day
specify
What does specify mean?
specify (verb): to state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How do you use specify in a sentence?
How do you pronounce specify?
/ˈspɛsəˌfaɪ/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.
Where does specify come from?
From Middle English specifien, from Old French specifier, especefier, or directly from Medieval Latin specificō, from specificus (“specific”).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Test yourself: do you know “specify”?
Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.
What does “specify” mean?
to obtain (something) in exchange for money or goods
Not quite: that's what buy means.
to request (information, or an answer to a question)
Not quite: that's what ask means.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
Not quite: that's what wait means.
to state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition
Right! That's what “specify” means.
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