# specifying

/ˈspɛsəˌfaɪɪŋ/ (US) · /spˈɛsɪfˌaɪɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/specifying
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. naming exactly

verb · CEFR B2

naming or describing something exactly so that people know exactly what you mean.

For teachers: the present participle of 'specify', used to indicate the act of identifying a requirement or detail with precision.

- The contract was very clear, specifying exactly when the work had to be finished.
- The architect submitted the final blueprints, specifying the exact grade of steel required for the structural supports.

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

### 2. the act of being precise

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the act of giving clear and exact information about something.

For teachers: the gerund form used as a noun to denote the process of stating or describing something with exactness.

- Specifying the right materials at the start of the project saved us a lot of money.
- The careful specifying of technical requirements is essential before any procurement process begins.

Usage: Functions as the subject or object of a sentence.

Teaching tip: In formal writing, the noun 'specification' is more common than the gerund 'specifying' for the result of the process.

## Examples

- The contract is specifying the exact date of completion.
- The architect is specifying the exact materials needed for the foundation to ensure the building's safety.
- By specifying the precise parameters of the experiment, the lead researcher ensured that any other laboratory could replicate the results with minimal variation.

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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.