specify
verb
- provide a detailed definition or description
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈspɛs.ɪ.faɪ/ / /ˈspɛs.əˌfaɪ/
verb
Etymology: From Middle English specifien, from Old French specifier, especefier, or directly from Medieval Latin specificō, from specificus (“specific”).
- To state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition.
“I was nevere somouned, ne never hadde tydynges of this matier but by seyd lettres and other fleying tales that I heve herd sithen, ne nevere hadde to do more with the seyd John Wortes than is specified in the seyd instruccion.”
“Thanne after came A riall ordenaunce, / Too myghty princes with a grete pusaunce, / ffro Masedeyn and owt of Arkadye, / Ther cowde no man the nowmber specifie.”
- To include in a specification.
“It seems to me that whoever at the Department of Transport or the train operating companies, or both, is specifying the standard of seats these days has taken leave of their senses and opted for cheapness over comfort.”
- To bring about a specific result.
- To speak explicitly or in detail (often used with of).
“Forthermar o þis lecheri / Agh i þe noght to specifie[…]”