specific

1 of 3

adjective

spe·​cif·​ic spi-ˈsi-fik How to pronounce specific (audio)
1
a
: constituting or falling into a specifiable category
b
: sharing or being those properties of something that allow it to be referred to a particular category
2
a
: restricted to a particular individual, situation, relation, or effect
a disease specific to horses
b
: exerting a distinctive influence (as on a body part or a disease)
specific antibodies
3
: free from ambiguity : accurate
a specific statement of faith
4
: of, relating to, or constituting a species and especially a biological species
5
a
: being any of various arbitrary physical constants and especially one relating a quantitative attribute to unit mass, volume, or area
b
: imposed at a fixed rate per unit (as of weight or count)
specific import duties
compare ad valorem

specific

2 of 3

noun

1
a
: something peculiarly adapted to a purpose or use
b
: a drug or remedy having a specific mitigating effect on a disease
used as a specific against malaria
2
a
: a characteristic quality or trait
b
: details, particulars
usually used in plural
haggling over the legal and financial specifics of independenceTime
c
specifics plural : specification sense 2a

-specific

3 of 3

combining form

: relating or applying specifically to or intended specifically for
gender-specific
Choose the Right Synonym for specific

special, especial, specific, particular, individual mean of or relating to one thing or class.

special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own.

special ingredients

especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.

a matter of especial importance

specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.

children with specific nutritional needs

particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.

a ballet step of particular difficulty

individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group.

valued each individual opinion

explicit, definite, express, specific mean perfectly clear in meaning.

explicit implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding.

explicit instructions

definite stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision.

the law is definite in such cases

express implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance.

her express wishes

specific applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular.

two specific criticisms

Examples of specific in a Sentence

Adjective Is there anything specific you want for dinner? There is a specific word for this kind of feeling. a bird species that requires a specific environment We were each given a specific topic to talk about. The doctor gave the patient specific instructions on how to care for the wound. Can you be more specific? What exactly did the policeman say? He gave her a ring—or, to be more specific, he gave her an engagement ring. She was very specific—you have to use a certain kind of tomato in the sauce. an education plan specific to each student's interests and abilities problems specific to this one housing project Noun quinine is a specific for malaria although the speech was long on rhetoric and platitudinous generalities, it lacked specifics
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
But remedies for injustice also need to be specific to the harm. Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Theories abound, but the fact that similar trends are found in many countries worldwide means that events and trends that are specific to the United States cannot be the main story. Jonathan Haidt, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2024 Any additional product should only address specific needs at this age, such as oily or acne-prone skin. Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 Biden has proposed many of the specific items in the budget before. John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2024 That way, if there’s a hostile situation, police officers know his specific plans and intentions. Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 However, lawyers and companies combating deepfakes online, including by systematically making DMCA complaints, say the number of copyright complaints and high percentage of removals are a sign that Google should take more action against the specific websites. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 11 Mar. 2024 The app currently has two English Premier League (EPL) partners, Chelsea and Burnley, and clubs can tailor their in-app trials to meet specific needs and set their own benchmarks by having their academy players complete the same drills. Jack Bantock, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 But the reasons for the blight on Bond Street are more specific: On January 1, 2021, the U.K. government imposed legislation that hiked prices on goods for visitors by 20 percent. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024
Noun
The specifics of the forthcoming series remain unknown, but both Ghost and Tommy’s stories have already been expanded upon since the conclusion of Power in 2020. Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 Albany and Sacramento would have done well to turn to experts in the underground market for help navigating the specifics of marijuana cultivation, distribution, and sales. The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 In response to emails and a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by Capital & Main, the FBI declined to answer questions on the specifics of its surveillance strategies, or their impact on the health of the community. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 Iditarod officials did not respond to a request for comment on the specifics of how Seavey’s gutting skills fell short. Victor Mather, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Peterson was light on specifics for the entire news conference, referring to this season’s final 20 games as an evaluation period. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024 Police said specifics about the collision were part of an ongoing investigation. Abigail Celaya, The Arizona Republic, 2 Mar. 2024 The specifics of acceptable work can vary, including public accounting, industry, government, and academic roles. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2024 While specifics of the visa have yet to be released, the immigration program would connect young enthusiasts with the nation’s booming entertainment industry through education and training opportunities, Skift reports. Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'specific.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Combining form

Late Latin specificus, from Latin species

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of specific was circa 1631

Dictionary Entries Near specific

specif

specific

-specific

Cite this Entry

“Specific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specific. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

specific

1 of 2 adjective
spe·​cif·​ic spi-ˈsif-ik How to pronounce specific (audio)
1
: relating to or being an example of a certain kind of thing
a specific case
was the question specific or general?
2
a
: restricted to a particular individual, situation, effect, or reaction
a disease specific to humans
a specific enzyme
b
: having one particular effect or influence (as on a body part or a disease)
quinine is specific for malaria
3
: clearly and exactly presented or stated
gave them specific directions
4
: of, relating to, or being a species
specifically adverb

specific

2 of 2 noun
1
: something specially adapted to a purpose or use
especially : a drug or remedy specific for a particular disease
2
plural : things that are specific : details, particulars
get down to specifics

Medical Definition

specific

1 of 2 adjective
spe·​cif·​ic spi-ˈsif-ik How to pronounce specific (audio)
1
a
: restricted by nature to a particular individual, situation, relation, or effect
a disease specific to horses
b
: exerting a distinctive influence (as on a body part or a disease)
specific antibodies
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a species and especially a biological species

specific

2 of 2 noun
: a drug or remedy having a specific mitigating effect on a disease

Legal Definition

specific

adjective
spe·​cif·​ic spə-ˈsi-fik How to pronounce specific (audio)
1
: relating to a particular thing
2
: intended for or restricted to a particular end or object
3
: being of a particularly identified kind or nature
specifically adverb
specificity noun

More from Merriam-Webster on specific

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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