Define vs. Specify — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Define and Specify
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Compare with Definitions
Define
State or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of
The contract will seek to define the client's obligations
Specify
To state explicitly or in detail
Specified the amount needed.
Specified what was wrong with the program.
Define
Mark out the boundary or limits of
The river defines the park's boundary
Specify
To include in a specification.
Define
To state the precise meaning of (a word or sense of a word, for example).
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Specify
To determine or bring about (a specific result)
A gene that specifies the synthesis of a single protein.
Define
To describe the nature or basic qualities of; explain
Define the properties of a new drug.
A study that defines people according to their median incomes.
Specify
(transitive) To state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition.
Define
To make clear the outline or form of; delineate
Gentle hills that were defined against the sky.
Specify
(transitive) To include in a specification.
Define
To specify distinctly
Define the weapons to be used in limited warfare.
Specify
(transitive) To bring about a specific result.
Define
To give form or meaning to
"For him, a life is defined by action" (Jay Parini).
Specify
To speak explicitly or in detail (often used with of).
Define
To make or write a definition.
Specify
To mention or name, as a particular thing; to designate in words so as to distinguish from other things; as, to specify the uses of a plant; to specify articles purchased.
He has there given us an exact geography of Greece, where the countries and the uses of their soils are specified.
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.
The defining power of an optical instrument
Specify
Specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement;
The will stipulates that she can live in the house for the rest of her life
The contract stipulates the dates of the payments
Define
(obsolete) To settle, decide an argument etc.
Specify
Determine the essential quality of
Define
To express the essential nature of something.
I define myself as a techno-anarchist.
Your past mistakes do not define who you are.
Specify
Decide upon or fix definitely;
Fix the variables
Specify the parameters
Define
To state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
The textbook defined speed as velocity divided by time.
Specify
Be specific about;
Could you please specify your criticism of my paper?
Define
To describe, explain, or make definite and clear; used to request the listener or other person to elaborate or explain more clearly his or her intended meaning of a word or expression.
Person 1: Is she good at math?
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Person 2: Define "good." If you mean if she is faster than the average middle schooler at multiplication, then yes. If you mean if she is able to do multivariable calculus, then no.
Specify
Define clearly;
I cannot narrow down the rules for this game
Define
To demark sharply the outlines or limits of an area or concept.
To define the legal boundaries of a property
Specify
Design or destine;
She was intended to become the director
Define
(mathematics) To establish the referent of a term or notation.
Specify
Select something or someone for a specific purpose;
The teacher assigned him to lead his classmates in the exercise
Define
(programming) A kind of macro in source code that replaces one text string with another wherever it occurs.
Define
To fix the bounds of; to bring to a termination; to end.
Define
To determine or clearly exhibit the boundaries of; to mark the limits of; as, to define the extent of a kingdom or country.
Define
To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly; as, the defining power of an optical instrument.
Rings . . . very distinct and well defined.
Define
To determine the precise signification of; to fix the meaning of; to describe accurately; to explain; to expound or interpret; as, to define a word, a phrase, or a scientific term.
They define virtue to be life ordered according to nature.
Define
To determine; to decide.
Define
Give a definition for the meaning of a word;
Define `sadness'
Define
Determine the essential quality of
Define
Determine the nature of;
What defines a good wine?
Define
Delineate the form or outline of;
The tree was clearly defined by the light
The camera could define the smallest object
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