Specific Meaning
/spɪˈsɪf.ɪk/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjExplicit or definite.
adjPertaining to a species, as a taxon or taxa at the rank of species.
Sentence Examples
I want specific information.
We have specific proof of your innocence.
In American football the defense has a specific job.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
To prevent any mistakes, the doctor gave me ____ instructions on how to take the medicine.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Could you be more ____ about what you need from the grocery store so I buy the right items?
Word Origin & History
From Old French specifique, from Late Latin specificus (“specific, particular”), from Latin speciēs (“kind”) + -ific.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"While some participants, like Gabi and Jasmine, had access to a gym but still felt uncertain about using specific types of equipment, others who trained at home faced even greater challenges due to the absence of both a coach and proper equipment."
— 2025 August 20, Ashlyn Barry, Justin A. Haegele, Daniel Schaefer, Kristen A. Pickett, Luis Columna, “Autistic Young Adults’ Experiences and Recommendations for Strength Training”, in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, →DOI:
"Science and literature, then, are the two achievements of Homo sapiens that most convincingly justify the specific name."
— 2008, Richard Dawkins, The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing, Oxford, published 2009, page 3:
"A psychologist told WJLA TV that, for the most part, this isn’t a Cocomelon-specific issue. The main issue is too much screen time and children's shows with fast-paced sequences."
— 2023 April 26, Rayna Skiver, “Actually Bad for Kids? Here’s What Experts Say”, in Green Matters:
"The study of specific medicines is too much disregarded now. No doubt, the hunting after specifics is a mark of ignorance and weakness in medicine, yet the neglect of them is proof also of immaturity; for, in fact, all medicines will be found specific in the perfection of science."
— 1830 May 23, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “Constitutional and Functional Life—Hysteria—Hydro-carbonic Gas—Bitters and Tonics—Specific Medicines”, in H[enry] N[elson] C[oleridge], editor, Specimens of the Table Talk of the Late Samuel Taylor Coleridge. […], volume I, London: John Murray, […], published 1835, →OCLC, page 147:
"Change of scene, and a new lover, are infallible specifics, always supposing there is no character for constancy to be supported: if I witness the violent sorrow of to-day, I impose upon to-morrow the necessity of being sorry also."
— 1831, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter IX, in Romance and Reality. […], volume III, London: Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley, […], →OCLC, page 201:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
To prevent any mistakes, the doctor gave me ____ instructions on how to take the medicine.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Could you be more ____ about what you need from the grocery store so I buy the right items?