specify
To state or identify something clearly and precisely
Examples
In a meeting
“Please specify which department should handle this request.”
Over coffee
“You need to specify what toppings you want on your pizza.”
Why this word
state
Specify means identifying precisely and explicitly with details, while state just means saying something without emphasizing precision
clarify
Specify means naming exact details or requirements, while clarify means making something clearer without necessarily providing exact particulars
identify
Specify emphasizes giving exact parameters or details, while identify just means recognizing or naming without the same level of precision
Usage tip
Use when someone needs to be more exact or provide particular details instead of speaking in generalities
Etymology
Latin 'specificare' from 'species' (kind, sort) + '-ficare' (to make)
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.