Especific vs. Specific — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 22, 2024
"Especific" is an incorrect spelling, while "Specific" is correct, referring to something clearly defined or identified.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Especific or Specific
How to spell Specific?
Especific
Incorrect Spelling
Specific
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Visualize the word "specific" as a precise arrow, without any extra beginning.
Associate "specific" with other 'sp' starting words, like "speak," "spin," and "spot."
The word "sea" is specific, not "especific."
The word "specific" begins with an 'S', just like "special," which it often describes.
Recall the phrase "Be SPECific," emphasizing the starting 'S'.
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How Do You Spell Specific Correctly?
Incorrect: The recipe requires an especific type of oil.
Correct: The recipe requires a specific type of oil.
Incorrect: The instructions were too especific to follow.
Correct: The instructions were too specific to follow.
Incorrect: She had an especific person in mind for the job.
Correct: She had a specific person in mind for the job.
Incorrect: He gave me an especific example of what he meant.
Correct: He gave me a specific example of what he meant.
Incorrect: Can you provide an especific detail about the incident?
Correct: Can you provide a specific detail about the incident?
Specific Definitions
"Specific" means clearly defined or identified.
She gave a specific list of items she wanted.
"Specific" refers to a distinct detail or item.
He mentioned a specific example in his lecture.
"Specific" describes a particular section or area.
The medication targets a specific region of the brain.
Clearly defined or identified
Savings were made by increasing the electricity supply only until it met specific development needs
A precise detail
I wish I'd put more thought into the specifics
"Specific" can mean unique or particular to something.
This tool has a specific purpose in the workshop.
"Specific" may also refer to being exact or precise.
Please be more specific about your requirements.
Relating to species or a species
The differences between them can only be on the specific level
(of a duty or a tax) levied at a fixed rate per physical unit of the thing taxed, regardless of its price.
Of or denoting a number equal to the ratio of the value of some property of a given substance to the value of the same property of some other substance used as a reference, such as water, or of a vacuum, under equivalent conditions
Specific dielectric strength
A medicine or remedy effective in treating a particular disease or part of the body
He grasped at the idea as though she had offered him a specific for cancer
Explicitly set forth; definite
Wrote specific instructions.
Clear or detailed in communicating
Be specific when telling us what you need.
Limited, distinctive, or unique
Problems specific to small colleges.
Intended for, applying to, or acting on a particular thing
A specific remedy for warts.
Concerned particularly with the subject specified. Often used in combination
"age-specific voting patterns" (A. Dianne Schmidley).
Relating to, characterizing, or distinguishing a species
A specific name.
Designating a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition.
Having a remedial influence or effect on a particular disease.
(Immunology) Having an affinity limited to a particular antibody or antigen.
Designating a customs charge levied on merchandise by unit or weight rather than according to value.
Designating a commodity rate applicable to the transportation of a single commodity between named points.
Something particularly fitted to a use or purpose.
A remedy intended for a particular ailment or disorder.
A distinguishing quality or attribute.
Specifics Distinct items or details; particulars.
Explicit or definite.
Pertaining to a species, as a taxon or taxa at the rank of species.
Special, distinctive or unique.
Intended for, or applying to, a particular thing.
Serving to identify a particular thing (often a disease or condition), with little risk of mistaking something else for it.
A highly specific test, specific and nonspecific symptoms
Being a remedy for a particular disease on a deeper level, rather than just masking the symptoms
Quinine is a specific medicine in cases of malaria.
Any improvement in secondary sciatica is probably due to the analgesic action of the sodium salicylate, but in primary sciatica, in all likelihood “rheumatic,” the effect of the sodium salicylate appears to be specific rather than symptomatic.
(immunology) limited to a particular antibody or antigen.
(physics) of a value divided by mass (e.g. specific orbital energy)
(physics) similarly referring to a value divided by any measure which acts to standardize it (e.g. thrust specific fuel consumption, referring to fuel consumption divided by thrust)
(physics) a measure compared with a standard reference value by division, to produce a ratio without unit or dimension (e.g. specific refractive index is a pure number, and is relative to that of air)
A distinguishing attribute or quality.
A remedy for a specific disease or condition.
Specification
(in the plural) The details; particulars.
Of or pertaining to a species; characterizing or constituting a species; possessing the peculiar property or properties of a thing which constitute its species, and distinguish it from other things; as, the specific form of an animal or a plant; the specific qualities of a drug; the specific distinction between virtue and vice.
Specific difference is that primary attribute which distinguishes each species from one another.
Specifying; definite, or making definite; limited; precise; discriminating; as, a specific statement.
Exerting a peculiar influence over any part of the body; preventing or curing disease by a peculiar adaptation, and not on general principles; as, quinine is a specific medicine in cases of malaria.
In fact, all medicines will be found specific in the perfection of the science.
Anything having peculiar adaption to the purpose to which it is applied.
A fact about some part (as opposed to general);
He always reasons from the particular to the general
A medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease;
Quinine is a specific for malaria
(sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique;
Rules with specific application
Demands specific to the job
A specific and detailed account of the accident
Nonspecific enteritis
Stated explicitly or in detail;
Needed a specific amount
Relating to or distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species;
Specific characters
Being or affecting a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition; used also of stains or dyes used in making microscope slides;
Quinine is highly specific for malaria
A specific remedy
A specific stain is one having a specific affinity for particular structural elements
Specific Meaning in a Sentence
Can you give me a specific reason for your decision?
She made a specific request for her meal due to dietary restrictions.
The teacher asked for specific examples in our essays.
The contract outlines specific duties and responsibilities.
The experiment requires specific conditions to be met.
The software needs specific hardware to run properly.
The project aims to solve a very specific problem.
The game rules are quite specific to ensure fair play.
He's looking for a book on a specific topic.
The medicine is prescribed for a specific ailment.
He has a specific talent for music.
You need to be more specific when giving directions.
She's very specific about the colors she likes.
The law applies to specific cases only.
They chose a specific date for their wedding.
This tool is designed for a specific purpose.
They shared a specific vision for the future.
They made a specific plan to meet their goals.
The survey targets a specific group of people.
The job ad asked for candidates with specific skills.
They gave specific instructions for the task.
The company has a specific dress code.
The course focuses on specific aspects of history.
Can you point to the specific clause in the agreement?
The decoration was chosen for a specific theme.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of Specific?
The related verb form is "specify."
What is the pronunciation of Specific?
It is pronounced as /spəˈsɪfɪk/.
Why is it called Specific?
The term "Specific" derives from the Latin word "specificus," meaning "constituting a kind or sort."
What is the root word of Specific?
The root word is "species" from Latin, meaning "a kind or sort."
What is the singular form of Specific?
Specific is an adjective and doesn't have a singular or plural form.
Is Specific a negative or positive word?
Neutral. Its connotation depends on the context.
Which vowel is used before Specific?
Typically, no vowel comes directly before "specific."
Is Specific an abstract noun?
No, "specific" is an adjective.
Which conjunction is used with Specific?
No specific conjunction is paired with "specific," it can be used with any conjunction as per sentence requirements.
Is Specific a noun or adjective?
"Specific" is primarily used as an adjective.
Is the word Specific imperative?
No, "specific" is not imperative.
What is the plural form of Specific?
Same as above, "specific" doesn't have a plural form as an adjective.
Which preposition is used with Specific?
"To" and "for" are often used, as in "specific to" or "specific for."
Which article is used with Specific?
Both "a" and "the" can be used, depending on the context.
Is Specific a countable noun?
"Specific" is not a noun, so it isn't countable or uncountable.
What part of speech is Specific?
"Specific" is an adjective.
Which determiner is used with Specific?
Any determiner can be used based on the context, such as "this," "that," "a," "an."
What is the first form of Specific?
Not applicable, as "specific" is an adjective and not a verb.
How do we divide Specific into syllables?
Spe-cif-ic.
What is the third form of Specific?
Not applicable, as mentioned above.
How is Specific used in a sentence?
"She provided a specific example to illustrate her point."
Is the Specific term a metaphor?
No, it's not a metaphor.
What is a stressed syllable in Specific?
The second syllable "cif" is stressed.
Is Specific an adverb?
No, "specific" is not an adverb.
Is Specific a vowel or consonant?
"Specific" is a word, not a vowel or consonant. However, it contains both vowels and consonants.
Is Specific a collective noun?
No, "specific" is an adjective.
Is the word Specific a Gerund?
No, "specific" is not a gerund.
Is the word “Specific” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Specific" is an adjective and doesn't function as a direct or indirect object.
How many syllables are in Specific?
There are three syllables in "specific."
What is another term for Specific?
Another term could be "particular."
What is the opposite of Specific?
The opposite is "general" or "vague."
What is the second form of Specific?
Not applicable, as mentioned above.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
