First Known Use: circa 1631
Dictionary
1specific
adjective spe·cif·ic \spi-ˈsi-fik\
: special or particular
: clearly and exactly presented or stated : precise or exact
: relating to a particular person, situation, etc.
Full Definition of SPECIFIC
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
— spe·cif·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of SPECIFIC
Late Latin specificus, from Latin species
Related to SPECIFIC
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
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>.
2specific
noun
Definition of SPECIFIC
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 independence — Time> c plural : specification 2a
First Known Use of SPECIFIC
1661
Related to SPECIFIC
- Synonyms
- cure, drug, medicament, medication, medicinal, pharmaceutical, physic, remedy, medicine
Rhymes with SPECIFIC
SPECIFICALLY Defined for Kids
specific
adjective spe·cif·ic \spi-ˈsi-fik\
Definition of SPECIFIC for Kids
1
: relating to or being an example of a certain kind of thing <a specific case>
2
: relating to a particular individual or situation <There are problems specific to this project.>
3
: clearly and exactly presented or stated <specific directions>
— spe·cif·ic·al·ly \-ˈsi-fi-kə-lē\ adverb
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