Definition of specific adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary



    BrE BrE//spəˈsɪfɪk//
    ; NAmE NAmE//spəˈsɪfɪk//
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  1. 1  detailed and exact synonym precise I gave you specific instructions. ‘I'd like your help tomorrow.’ ‘Can you be more specific (= tell me exactly what you want)?’
  2. 2  [usually before noun] connected with one particular thing only synonym particular children’s television programmes aimed at a specific age group The money was collected for a specific purpose. children with specific learning difficulties (= in one area only)
  3. 3specific to something (formal) existing only in one place or limited to one thing synonym peculiar a belief that is specific to this part of Africa
  4. Word Origin mid 17th cent. (originally in the sense ‘having a special determining quality’): from late Latin specificus, from Latin species ‘appearance, form, beauty’, from specere ‘to look’.Extra examples Can you be a little more specific in your instructions? Highly specific instructions were issued. She was quite specific about the type she wanted. These heart issues are specific to women. These values are culturally specific, not naturally given. issuing a highly specific set of instructions ‘I’d like your help tomorrow.’ ‘Can you be more specific?’ Each debate will focus on a specific political issue. We try to meet the specific requirements of our clients.
See the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary entry: specific