Specific Meaning

Specific Definition & Usage
Referring to something clearly defined or identified, often with distinct features or characteristics.
Examples
- "Can you give me a specific example of what you're talking about?"
- "The specific reason for his absence was not revealed."
- "I need specific instructions to complete this task correctly."
- "Please refer to the specific section on page 22 for more details."
- "She wore a specific shade of blue that was hard to match."
Relating to a particular set of conditions, area, or topic in a detailed or specialized manner.
Examples
- "The specific gravity of the material is greater than that of water."
- "This problem can only be solved using a specific method."
- "The experiment requires a specific temperature range to succeed."
- "She applied a specific formula to calculate the result."
- "We need a specific chemical compound for this reaction."
Clearly stated or defined in legal terms, often with exact details or limits.
Examples
- "The contract specified a specific amount of money to be paid."
- "The law requires a specific procedure for filing complaints."
- "He was given a specific deadline to complete the project."
- "You must present specific evidence to support your claim."
- "The specific terms of the agreement are non-negotiable."
Cultural Context
The word 'specific' originates from Latin 'specificus', which means 'having a particular kind, nature, or character'. It has evolved in modern languages to imply distinctiveness, precision, and a focus on defining boundaries or criteria. It is commonly used in both everyday language and specialized fields like science, law, and business.
The Specific Challenge
Story
The Specific Challenge
On a warm afternoon, Mia sat in the back of the conference room, her mind racing as the CEO, Mr. Carson, outlined the company's new project. It was an exciting venture, but there was one thing that made her nervous: the project was incredibly specific. It had detailed guidelines, strict requirements, and a narrow scope. Mia knew that her team needed to follow the plan to the letter. 'Mia, can you handle the research?' Mr. Carson asked, breaking her focus. 'I need specific data about consumer behavior in our target market—no broad strokes, only the numbers that align with our goals.' She nodded. It was clear that the success of the project depended on precision. But Mia was used to thinking big, to casting a wide net and exploring different avenues. This task, however, demanded a sharp, narrow focus. She knew that she needed to drill down and avoid wandering into unrelated areas. Later that evening, Mia sat at her desk, typing away at her laptop. She needed specific sources, not just any study on consumer trends, but ones that could be applied directly to the company's needs. As she sifted through the data, she thought about how every detail had to be precise. There could be no room for ambiguity. The next morning, Mia presented her findings. She used graphs to highlight the specific trends that Mr. Carson had requested. 'This is the data you need,' Mia said confidently. 'It fits the specific criteria you outlined.' Mr. Carson smiled, nodding in approval. 'This is exactly what I was looking for. Well done, Mia. You understood exactly how to approach the challenge.' As she walked out of the meeting, Mia felt a surge of pride. She had successfully tackled a highly specific task, proving that even the narrowest of focuses could lead to success.

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