What does specific mean?
Specific means relating to one particular person, thing, place, matter, or case rather than to something general. It is especially useful when a discussion needs precision: a specific instruction identifies exactly what to do, while a specific example illustrates a particular category or circumstance. The adjective can also mean clearly and exactly stated, as in “specific terms” or “specific requirements.” In formal writing, it signals precision and restricts the scope of a claim. A less usual noun sense refers to an individual detail, circumstance, or person, with the plural “specifics” commonly meaning the exact details of an issue or arrangement. Although specific is often contrasted with general, it is not always a direct synonym of precise: something may be specific without being exact. Compared with special, specific focuses on identification and exactness, while special usually emphasizes distinction, importance, or a particular purpose.
Relating to a particular person, thing, place, matter, or case; definite and exact in scope.
"The teacher gave each student specific instructions for the experiment."
In formal and instructional contexts, specific emphasizes a clearly defined target or requirement.
An individual detail, circumstance, or person considered separately; usually used in the plural.
"The two proposals differ in several important specifics."
The noun sense is uncommon in singular use; “specifics” is the usual form, especially for the precise details of a situation.
The plural is far more common than the singular noun, particularly when referring to the precise details of an issue, arrangement, or proposal.
"The committee asked for the specifics of the proposal before making a decision."
A specific word names one thing; a general word tries to talk about many at once.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does specific come from?
Specific entered English in the late Middle English period through Old French and Latin. Its Latin form, specificus, was derived from species, meaning “kind” or “appearance,” and ultimately from specere, “to look at.” The word originally conveyed the idea of something belonging to or being determined by a particular kind, before developing its modern meanings of definite, precise, and individual.
Related word forms
How specific is actually used
Specific is common in formal and informational writing, where it signals that a claim, instruction, or condition is limited to a defined case. In everyday speech, particular is often a more natural alternative.
Easily confused with specific
Specific identifies a definite or precisely stated instance, whereas special more often emphasizes distinctiveness, importance, or a particular purpose.
Specific is typically an adjective describing something definite or precise, while specify is a verb meaning to state the exact details of something.