# specify

/ˈspɛsəˌfaɪ/ (US) · /spˈɛsɪfˌaɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/specify
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to state clearly

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to give specific details or name exactly what you want or need.

For teachers: to state explicitly or in detail, often as a requirement or condition. Transitive — requires a direct object or a 'that' clause.

- The contract does not specify how much the workers will be paid.
- The building regulations specify that all materials used in the foundation must be fire-resistant and sourced from approved suppliers.

### 2. to include in a list of requirements

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

to include something in a formal list of technical instructions.

For teachers: to include a particular item or material in a technical specification or design plan.

- The architect specified expensive marble for the lobby floor.
- The lead engineer specified a high-grade titanium alloy for the turbine blades to ensure maximum durability under extreme thermal stress.

## Examples

- Please specify which color you want for the new curtains.
- The contract does not specify a deadline for the first draft, which has caused some confusion among the writers.
- While the regulations specify that all safety equipment must be inspected monthly, they do not clarify which department is responsible for the associated costs.

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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.