ENGLISH
REFERENCE

specializes

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈspɛʃəˌɫaɪzəz// spe·cial·izes

v. to focus on one specific activity, subject, or job. When you do this, you become an expert in that one area instead of doing many different things.

v. to concentrate one's efforts or interests on a particular area of study, business, or activity. Often implies a high degree of expertise or a narrow professional focus.


SIMPLE

The local bakery specializes in sourdough bread.

CONTEXTUAL

Our law firm specializes in intellectual property cases for small technology startups.

COMPLEX

As the market became more competitive, the company decided it specializes in high-end medical equipment rather than general hospital supplies to maintain its profit margins.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is intransitive and almost always takes the preposition 'in' followed by a noun or gerund.

Pitfall

The doctor specializes on heart surgery.The doctor specializes in heart surgery.The verb 'specialize' takes the preposition 'in', not 'on'.

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