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How to Say Specific: Pronunciation, Definition

Discover how to pronounce specific, learn its meaning and origin, and explore synonyms and phrases for better language skills.

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How to Pronounce Specific

How to Pronounce "Specific"

Syllable Breakdown: The word "specific" can be divided into three parts: "spe", "ci", and "fic".
First Part ("spe"): Start with the sound "sp" as in "spin". Then add a short "e" sound, like the "e" in "pet".
Second Part ("ci"): This part sounds like "sis". Pronounce it quickly with a soft "i" sound as in "sit" and end with an "s" sound.
Third Part ("fic"): Begin with an "f" sound, similar to "fish". Next, say "ick" with a short "i" sound, as in "pick", and finish with a soft "k" sound.
Putting It All Together: Slowly combine: "spe" + "sis" + "ick". Start slowly, then practice speeding up to speak naturally.
Practice Tip: Repeat the word several times, breaking it into parts. First say "spe", then "sis", then "ick"; finally, say "specific" smoothly and quickly.

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What Does Specific Mean

Understanding the Meaning of Specific

Definition: "Specific" means exactly clear and detailed, not general or vague.
Example in context: If you ask for a specific book, you want one particular book, not just any book.
How it is used: It is used to focus on one exact thing or detail rather than many things at once.
Why it is important: It helps to make communication clear, so everyone knows exactly what is being talked about.
Simple comparison: "General" gives a broad idea, while "specific" gives the exact information.

Understanding the Meaning of Specific

Definition: "Specific" means exactly clear and detailed, not general or vague.
Example in context: If you ask for a specific book, you want one particular book, not just any book.
How it is used: It is used to focus on one exact thing or detail rather than many things at once.
Why it is important: It helps to make communication clear, so everyone knows exactly what is being talked about.
Simple comparison: "General" gives a broad idea, while "specific" gives the exact information.

The Origin of the Word Specific

Origin of the Word "Specific"

Latin Beginnings: The word "specific" comes from the Latin word specificus, which means "of a kind" or "pertaining to a particular kind."
Related Roots: It is related to the Latin word species, meaning "appearance," "look," or "kind." This word helped form the idea of being clear and distinct.
Suffix Meaning: The ending -fic comes from the Latin facere, which means "to make" or "to do." So, "specificus" could be thought of as "made to be a certain kind."
Evolution into English: When this word passed into Middle English from Old French, its meaning stayed close to the idea of something being "clearly defined" or "exact."
Modern Usage: Today, "specific" means something that is clearly defined, precise, or particular, continuing the idea of being "made for a certain purpose."

Origin of the Word "Specific"

Latin Beginnings: The word "specific" comes from the Latin word specificus, which means "of a kind" or "pertaining to a particular kind."
Related Roots: It is related to the Latin word species, meaning "appearance," "look," or "kind." This word helped form the idea of being clear and distinct.
Suffix Meaning: The ending -fic comes from the Latin facere, which means "to make" or "to do." So, "specificus" could be thought of as "made to be a certain kind."
Evolution into English: When this word passed into Middle English from Old French, its meaning stayed close to the idea of something being "clearly defined" or "exact."
Modern Usage: Today, "specific" means something that is clearly defined, precise, or particular, continuing the idea of being "made for a certain purpose."

What to Say Instead Specific

Particular

Why it's similar: "Particular" is used to denote a single, specific item or instance among many, much like "specific" narrows down to one distinct subject.
How to use it in context: Use it when distinguishing one item from a larger group. For example, "I was referring to that particular issue, not the general trend."

Particular

Why it's similar: "Particular" is used to denote a single, specific item or instance among many, much like "specific" narrows down to one distinct subject.
How to use it in context: Use it when distinguishing one item from a larger group. For example, "I was referring to that particular issue, not the general trend."

Definite

Why it's similar: "Definite" implies precision and clarity, suggesting there is no ambiguity about the object or detail being discussed.
How to use it in context: It fits best in contexts where clarity is required. For instance, "She gave me definite instructions on how to complete the assignment."

Definite

Why it's similar: "Definite" implies precision and clarity, suggesting there is no ambiguity about the object or detail being discussed.
How to use it in context: It fits best in contexts where clarity is required. For instance, "She gave me definite instructions on how to complete the assignment."

Precise

Why it's similar: "Precise" highlights exactness, emphasizing that something is specifically measured or defined without vagueness.
How to use it in context: It works well when detailing measurement or definition. Example: "The architect provided a precise blueprint for the new building."

Precise

Why it's similar: "Precise" highlights exactness, emphasizing that something is specifically measured or defined without vagueness.
How to use it in context: It works well when detailing measurement or definition. Example: "The architect provided a precise blueprint for the new building."

Explicit

Why it's similar: "Explicit" carries the idea of being clearly stated and leaving no room for doubt, akin to being very specific about details.
How to use it in context: Use it when you want to remove ambiguity. For example, "The guidelines were explicit, ensuring everyone understood the rules."

Explicit

Why it's similar: "Explicit" carries the idea of being clearly stated and leaving no room for doubt, akin to being very specific about details.
How to use it in context: Use it when you want to remove ambiguity. For example, "The guidelines were explicit, ensuring everyone understood the rules."

Detailed

Why it's similar: "Detailed" refers to including many specific facts and components, thereby aligning with the notion of specificity.
How to use it in context: It is ideal when providing comprehensive information. For instance, "She gave a detailed explanation that covered every aspect of the problem."

Detailed

Why it's similar: "Detailed" refers to including many specific facts and components, thereby aligning with the notion of specificity.
How to use it in context: It is ideal when providing comprehensive information. For instance, "She gave a detailed explanation that covered every aspect of the problem."

Distinct

Why it's similar: "Distinct" underscores a clear and recognizable difference, marking something as uniquely specific among alternatives.
How to use it in context: It is used to emphasize uniqueness. For example, "His approach is distinct from the conventional methods used by others."

Distinct

Why it's similar: "Distinct" underscores a clear and recognizable difference, marking something as uniquely specific among alternatives.
How to use it in context: It is used to emphasize uniqueness. For example, "His approach is distinct from the conventional methods used by others."

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Common Phrases and Examples with Specific

1. I need a specific pen for this drawing.

Explanation: This sentence shows that out of many pens, one particular pen is needed for the drawing.

2. The teacher gave us a specific topic to write about.

Explanation: Here, the teacher chose one particular topic for the assignment.

3. She asked for a specific type of fruit at the store.

Explanation: This sentence shows that she wanted one exact kind of fruit, not just any fruit.

4. He followed a specific recipe to bake the cake.

Explanation: The sentence indicates that he used one detailed recipe for making the cake.

5. The map shows a specific route to the museum.

Explanation: This means the map points out one clear way to get to the museum.

6. We need to set a specific time for the meeting.

Explanation: The sentence shows that one exact time is required for arranging the meeting.