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specific

/spɪˈsɪf.ɪk/noun, adjective3 syllables

Specific means: (sometimes followed by ‘to’) applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique.

Synonyms for specific14

noun, as in a fact about some part (as opposed to general)

particular

adjective, as in (sometimes followed by ‘to’) applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique

ad hoc, circumstantial, limited, special, particular, peculiar, particularized, particularised, proper, unique, precise, specialized, specialised

adjective, as in stated explicitly or in detail

specified

Opposites of specific

general, nonspecific

What does specific mean?6

adjective

1

(sometimes followed by ‘to’) applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique“rules with specific application”

2

stated explicitly or in detail“needed a specific amount”

3

relating to or distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species“specific characters”

4

being or affecting a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition; used also of stains or dyes used in making microscope slides“quinine is highly specific for malaria”

noun

1

a fact about some part (as opposed to general)“he always reasons from the particular to the general”

2

a medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease“quinine is a specific for malaria”

Definitions from the Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

What rhymes with specific?5

four syllables

scientific
Show 40 near rhymes
livingbuildingthinkingenglishbritishgivingmissingdistrictvisitbeginningwinningfinishedfinishmrskillingsittingengineeringexistingwillingbringingdrinkingbuildingscommittedstatisticssingingshippingadmittedolympicfishinghittingolympicspickingswimmingprintedcriticsphysicslyricswisheslistingsubmitted

Specific in a sentence

  • The book is divided into four sections, each with a specific theme.megamanenm
  • Gaskets for specific applications, such as high pressure steam systems, may contain asbestos.CM
  • The company specialized in industry-specific solutions, strategic outsourcing and integration services.CM
  • Before we begin, let's discuss your limits, boundaries, and any specific desires you have.Ahha
  • If there's anything specific you need, please don't hesitate to ask.Ahha
  • Unless you have a specific destination, you're just moving the car and wasting gas.DJ_Saidez
  • If you're unsure how to handle specific sticky spots, ask for guidance.Amastan
  • If you're uncertain about how to handle specific food scraps, ask for guidance.Amastan

Sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR, credited to their authors.

Forms of specific

as a noun

plural
specifics