Pacific vs. Specific — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 23, 2024
Pacific refers to a tranquil, conciliatory tone or the world's largest ocean, while specific denotes something clearly defined or particular.
Difference Between Pacific and Specific
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pacific, derived from the Latin word 'pacifus' meaning peaceful, often describes an amiable and soothing demeanor or approach, whereas specific, originating from the Latin 'specificus', implies precision and clarity in description or identity.
In geographical terms, Pacific refers to the vast Pacific Ocean, known for its immense size and depth, which contrasts sharply with the concept of specific, which has no geographic connotation but focuses on particularity and distinctness in other contexts.
The term Pacific is also used metaphorically to suggest peaceful resolution or a gentle nature, while specific is strictly used to refer to explicitness or an exact attribute in various applications such as instructions, details, or criteria.
While Pacific may characterize diplomatic language or policies aimed at avoiding conflict, specific is crucial in settings like science and law, where precise definitions and exactitudes are essential.
In communication, using pacific terms can aid in smoothing conversations and easing tensions, on the other hand, being specific can prevent misunderstandings and ensure clarity and effectiveness in the exchange of information.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Peaceful, conciliatory
Clearly defined, particular
Usage
Describes tone or ocean
Used to describe precision
Contextual Application
Diplomacy, descriptions of ocean
Science, law, detailed instructions
Connotation
Gentle, avoiding conflict
Exact, explicit
Effect in Communication
Smooths interactions
Enhances clarity and effectiveness
Compare with Definitions
Pacific
Promoting peace.
His pacific approach resolved the conflict without further issues.
Specific
Particular, as opposed to general.
Could you be more specific about your complaint?
Pacific
Peaceful and calm.
The mediator’s pacific demeanor helped ease the negotiations.
Specific
Relating to a distinct item or issue.
The contract specifies the specific obligations of each party.
Pacific
Of or pertaining to the Pacific Ocean.
They traveled across the Pacific to reach Australia.
Specific
Clearly defined or identified.
The instructions were very specific about the measurements.
Pacific
Mild and soothing.
The pacific sounds of the waves calmed her nerves.
Specific
Detailed and precise.
She gave a specific account of the events.
Pacific
Amiable and peace-keeping.
Her pacific nature made her well-liked among her peers.
Specific
Serving a particular purpose.
This tool is specific to leatherworking.
Pacific
The Pacific Ocean.
Specific
Clearly defined or identified
Savings were made by increasing the electricity supply only until it met specific development needs
Pacific
Of, in, or near the Pacific Ocean.
Specific
Relating to species or a species
The differences between them can only be on the specific level
Pacific
Of, on, or near the western coast of the United States.
Specific
(of a duty or a tax) levied at a fixed rate per physical unit of the thing taxed, regardless of its price.
Pacific
Of or concerning countries bordering the Pacific Ocean, especially those of Asia and North America.
Specific
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
Pacific
Tending to diminish or put an end to conflict; appeasing.
Specific
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
Pacific
Of a peaceful nature; tranquil.
Specific
A precise detail
I wish I'd put more thought into the specifics
Pacific
Calm, peaceful.
Specific
Explicitly set forth; definite
Wrote specific instructions.
Pacific
Preferring peace by nature; avoiding violence.
Specific
Clear or detailed in communicating
Be specific when telling us what you need.
Pacific
Of or pertaining to peace; of a peaceful character; not warlike; not quarrelsome; as, a pacific nature or condition.
Specific
Limited, distinctive, or unique
Problems specific to small colleges.
Pacific
Promoting peace; suited to make or restore peace; conciliatory; as, pacific words or acts.
Specific
Intended for, applying to, or acting on a particular thing
A specific remedy for warts.
Pacific
Of or pertaining to the Pacific Ocean; as, Pacific islands.
Specific
Concerned particularly with the subject specified. Often used in combination
"age-specific voting patterns" (A. Dianne Schmidley).
Pacific
The Pacific Ocean, the largest ocean.
Specific
Relating to, characterizing, or distinguishing a species
A specific name.
Pacific
The largest ocean in the world
Specific
Designating a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition.
Pacific
Promoting peace;
The result of this pacific policy was that no troops were called up
Specific
Having a remedial influence or effect on a particular disease.
Pacific
Relating to or bordering the Pacific Ocean;
Pacific islands
Specific
(Immunology) Having an affinity limited to a particular antibody or antigen.
Pacific
Disposed to peace or of a peaceful nature;
The pacific temper seeks to settle disputes on grounds of justice rather than by force
A quiet and peaceable person
In a peaceable and orderly manner
Specific
Designating a customs charge levied on merchandise by unit or weight rather than according to value.
Specific
Designating a commodity rate applicable to the transportation of a single commodity between named points.
Specific
Something particularly fitted to a use or purpose.
Specific
A remedy intended for a particular ailment or disorder.
Specific
A distinguishing quality or attribute.
Specific
Specifics Distinct items or details; particulars.
Specific
Explicit or definite.
Specific
Pertaining to a species, as a taxon or taxa at the rank of species.
Specific
Special, distinctive or unique.
Specific
Intended for, or applying to, a particular thing.
Specific
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
Specific
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.
Specific
(immunology) limited to a particular antibody or antigen.
Specific
(physics) of a value divided by mass (e.g. specific orbital energy)
Specific
(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)
Specific
(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)
Specific
A distinguishing attribute or quality.
Specific
A remedy for a specific disease or condition.
Specific
Specification
Specific
(in the plural) The details; particulars.
Specific
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.
Specific
Specifying; definite, or making definite; limited; precise; discriminating; as, a specific statement.
Specific
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.
Specific
Anything having peculiar adaption to the purpose to which it is applied.
Specific
A fact about some part (as opposed to general);
He always reasons from the particular to the general
Specific
A medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease;
Quinine is a specific for malaria
Specific
(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
Specific
Stated explicitly or in detail;
Needed a specific amount
Specific
Relating to or distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species;
Specific characters
Specific
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
Common Curiosities
What does "Pacific" mean in a non-geographical sense?
Pacific implies promoting peace or calmness.
What are examples of "specific" information?
Exact data, precise instructions, or detailed descriptions.
Can "specific" refer to a general category or idea?
No, specific refers to particular and clearly defined aspects.
How is "Pacific" used in communication?
It describes approaches or tones intended to reduce conflict.
How does using "specific" impact legal documents?
It ensures clarity and minimizes ambiguities in legal contexts.
Why might someone choose a pacific approach in negotiations?
To facilitate agreement and reduce hostility.
Does "Pacific" have a positive connotation?
Yes, it generally has a positive, peaceful connotation.
Can "Pacific" refer to anything other than an ocean or demeanor?
Typically, it refers to the Pacific Ocean or peaceful characteristics.
Is "specific" necessary in scientific contexts?
Yes, being specific is crucial for accuracy and clarity in science.
Can "Pacific" be used to describe aggressive behaviors?
No, it’s primarily associated with non-aggressive, peaceful behaviors.
How can being specific help in daily communication?
It prevents misunderstandings and provides clear expectations.
What is the opposite of "Pacific"?
Contentious or aggressive.
What is the opposite of "specific"?
General or vague.
What makes "specific" important in educational settings?
It helps in providing clear, unambiguous information to students.
In what scenarios is using "Pacific" most beneficial?
In diplomacy or any situation where maintaining harmony is crucial.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
