# specify

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈspɛs.ɪ.faɪ/ · frequency rank #9,963

## Definitions
1. To state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition.
2. To include in a specification.
3. To bring about a specific result.
4. To speak explicitly or in detail (often used with of).

## Etymology
From Middle English specifien, from Old French specifier, especefier, or directly from Medieval Latin specificō, from specificus (“specific”).

## Easily confused with
- **special** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/special-vs-specify)
- **species** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/species-vs-specify)
- **specific** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/specific-vs-specify)

## Common misspellings (11)
`psecify`, `sepcify`, `spceify`, `speccify`, `specfiy`, `speciffy`, `specifyy`, `speciyf`, `speicfy`, `sppecify`, `sspecify`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/specify