To specify means to state something clearly and exactly, leaving no room for confusion. When your teacher asks you to specify which book you're writing about in your report, she wants you to name the exact title and author. When a doctor specifies the dosage of medicine, she writes down the precise amount: 10 milliliters twice daily, or two tablets every eight hours.

Specifying matters most when details make a difference. If you're ordering pizza for your class party, you need to specify how many pizzas, what toppings, and what time to deliver them. If you just call and say “we want some pizzas,” the pizza shop won't know what to make or when to bring them.

Scientists specify their methods so other researchers can repeat their experiments exactly. Architects specify measurements down to fractions of an inch so builders construct what was designed. When you make plans with friends, specifying the meeting spot and time helps everyone arrive at the same place. Being specific (the adjective form) means being precise and detailed, giving concrete information rather than staying vague or general.