specify

/ˈspesɪfaɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈspesɪfaɪ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈspe-sə-ˌfī/ (ame, mw)

specify — verb

  • specifypresent simple I / you / we / they
  • specifieshe / she / it
  • specifiedpast simple
  • specifying-ing form

1. to give the exact details of something, such as what must be done, what is neede

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to give the exact details of something, such as what must be done, what is needed, or what something looks like — for example, specifying the size when ordering furniture, or the time and place when arranging a meeting.

例句

The job advertisement did not specify the starting salary.

negative construction: did not specify

Henry specified which documents he needed for his visa application.

specify + wh-clause (which...)

同義詞
  • state

    more general and less formal; can be brief or vague

  • define

    focuses on setting boundaries or explaining the meaning of something

  • indicate

    less precise; can mean pointing to or suggesting rather than giving exact details

  • detail

    implies listing each part or step separately

反義詞
  • generalize

    to speak in broad terms without precise details

  • obscure

    to make unclear or difficult to understand

文法句型

specify + noun phrase

specify + that-clause

specify + wh-clause (what/which/when/where/how)

be specified + (in/by/on)

用法筆記

Frequently used in formal, technical, and instructional contexts. Takes a that-clause (specify that…), a wh-clause (specify what/which/when/where/how…), or a simple noun phrase as object. The passive form (be specified) is common in instructions, contracts, and technical documents.

常見錯誤

❌Please specify me the requirements.
✅Please specify the requirements for me.
💡specify cannot take an indirect object like give or tell can.
❌Could you specify about the plan?
✅Could you specify the details of the plan?
💡specify is transitive and takes a direct object, not a prepositional phrase.
❌The doctor specified the reasons for my headache.
✅The doctor explained the reasons for my headache.
💡specify means to give exact details, not to make something understandable.