Word
speciality
Phoneticsspe·cial·i·ty
US/ˌspɛʃiˈæɫɪti/
UK/spˌɛʃɪˈælɪti/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a subject, skill, or product that someone is an expert in or is famous for. You use this to describe the one thing a person or place does better than anything else.
n. a pursuit, area of study, or product in which someone possesses particular expertise or which is characteristic of a specific place. Often refers to a signature dish in a culinary context.
Examples
“The chef's speciality is homemade pasta.”
“While the law firm handles many cases, their true speciality is international intellectual property rights.”
“The region's primary speciality remains its hand-woven silk, a craft that has been refined over centuries and continues to drive the local export economy.”
Examples
simple
“The chef's speciality is homemade pasta.”
contextual
“While the law firm handles many cases, their true speciality is international intellectual property rights.”
complex
“The region's primary speciality remains its hand-woven silk, a craft that has been refined over centuries and continues to drive the local export economy.”
Usage
In British English, 'speciality' is the standard form; in American English, 'specialty' is preferred.
Pitfall
His specialty is on history
His speciality is history
The noun is followed directly by the subject or linked with 'in' (speciality in history), but it does not take the preposition 'on'.
Real-World Examples
“I finally had a way to connect my scientific research speciality with my ardour for earthworms in the soil.” “Tongue's position on the crease also aids him in his speciality of targeting the stumps.” Etymology
From special + -ity, from Middle French spécialité, from Old French specialte, especialte, from Latin specialitas.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/speciality