# specified

/ˈspɛsəˌfaɪd/ (US) · /spˈɛsɪfˌaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/specified
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to name clearly

verb · CEFR B2

to have named or described something clearly and exactly.

For teachers: the past tense and past participle of 'specify', meaning to have identified a requirement or item with precision.

- The contract specified that the work must be finished by June.
- The architect specified the exact grade of timber required for the structural beams to ensure the building met safety regulations.

Usage: Often followed by a 'that' clause or a direct object.

### 2. clearly stated

adjective · CEFR B2

clearly stated or explained so there is no confusion.

For teachers: explicitly stated or detailed; used to describe requirements or items that are not left to chance.

- Please complete the task within the specified time limit.
- Failure to deliver the components within the specified timeframe will result in a financial penalty as outlined in the service agreement.

Usage: Usually appears before the noun it describes.

## Examples

- The contract specified that the work must finish by June.
- The architect specified the exact type of sustainable wood required for the flooring to meet the building's green certification.
- Although the manual specified the correct sequence for the software installation, many users skipped the initial configuration steps and encountered errors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.