specify

[ spes-uh-fahy ]
/ ˈspɛs əˌfaɪ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR specify ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), spec·i·fied, spec·i·fy·ing.

to mention or name specifically or definitely; state in detail: He did not specify the amount needed.
to give a specific character to.
to set forth as a specification.
to name or state as a condition: He specified that he be given my power of attorney.

verb (used without object), spec·i·fied, spec·i·fy·ing.

to make a specific mention or statement.

Origin of specify

1250–1300; Middle English specyfyen < Old French specifier < Medieval Latin specificāre. See specific, -fy

OTHER WORDS FROM specify

Words nearby specify

specific viscosity, specific volume, specifically, specification, specificity, specify, specimen, specimen plant, speciosity, specious, specious present

Words related to specify

indicate, fix, stipulate, mention, limit, determine, enumerate, establish, cite, define, slot, blueprint, set, name, particularize, make, list, detail, peg, instance

Example sentences from the Web for specify

British Dictionary definitions for specify

specify
/ (ˈspɛsɪˌfaɪ) /

verb -fies, -fying or -fied (tr; may take a clause as object)

to refer to or state specifically
to state as a condition
to state or include in the specification of

Derived forms of specify

specificative (ˈspɛsɪfɪˌkeɪtɪv), adjective specifier, noun

Word Origin for specify

C13: from Medieval Latin specificāre to describe