Specify Meaning
Specify Definition & Usage
To clearly and precisely state or describe something in detail, especially to avoid ambiguity or confusion.
Examples
- "The professor asked the students to specify their research topic in the proposal."
- "Please specify your dietary preferences on the registration form."
- "I didn’t specify the delivery date, so the package arrived late."
- "He failed to specify the time for the meeting, leading to confusion among attendees."
- "Can you specify the model number of the device you're referring to?"
To provide detailed instructions or requirements in technical or legal documentation.
Examples
- "The contract specifies that the payment is due within 30 days of delivery."
- "The user manual specifies how to calibrate the machine for optimal performance."
- "The architect specified the exact materials to be used in the construction."
- "In the report, the CEO specified the company's strategy for the upcoming quarter."
- "The software update specification details all the changes and bug fixes."
Cultural Context
The word 'specify' comes from the Latin root 'specificare', meaning to make specific or particular. It has evolved to describe actions where precision or clarity is required, particularly in formal, technical, or contractual settings. It plays an important role in various fields like law, business, engineering, and academic writing, where ambiguity must be avoided.
The Meeting that Almost Went Wrong
Story
The Meeting that Almost Went Wrong
In the bustling offices of a tech startup, a crucial meeting was scheduled to discuss the new software update. Sarah, the project manager, had spent days preparing a detailed agenda, but there was one problem: she hadn’t specified the exact time. As the clock ticked past the scheduled start time, confusion started to spread. Some team members arrived early, others were late, and a few were unsure if they had the correct meeting link. Finally, Sarah arrived, flustered but determined to get things back on track. ‘I should have specified the exact time in the invite,’ she muttered to herself. The meeting began, and as they reviewed the update, Sarah began to specify the key features and changes in the software. She made sure to specify that users should expect faster load times and a more intuitive interface. ‘This update is crucial for our users,’ she said, ‘so we need to specify the exact steps for installation in the user manual.’ The team quickly fell into rhythm, contributing their detailed knowledge. Mark, the lead developer, specified the code changes that had been made, while Jane, the product designer, clarified the visual updates. By the end of the meeting, everyone had a clear understanding of their tasks, and it was agreed that the updated software would be ready for release in two weeks. ‘Next time, I’ll specify the time and place down to the minute,’ Sarah joked, as the team laughed in agreement, thankful for the clarity the meeting had finally provided.
Related Words
