adjective

specific

Clearly identified or relating to a particular thing.

The doctor gives me specific instructions for taking this medicine.

Etymology

The Latin adjective concerns identifying a particular kind. English broadened this precision to anything clearly defined or individually identified.

More examples

  • Do you have a specific date in mind?
  • These rules are specific to international flights.
  • Please be specific about which files you need.

Forms

specific

specifically adverb — In a precise or particular way.

specificity noun — The quality of being particular or precise.

Similar words

particular
Emphasizes one individual thing rather than others.
precise
Emphasizes exactness and accuracy rather than identifying a particular thing.