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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Specific: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：particular (specific)

specific 🔊

/spəˈsɪfɪk/

adj.

Referring to a particular thing, not general.

Specific meaning illustrated by a finger pointing to a precise location on a map.

particular 🔊

➕

/pərˈtɪkjələr/

adj.

Used to describe one distinct, individual thing, person, or detail, as opposed to a general or vague category.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'specificus', from 'species' (a particular kind) + '-ficus' (making).

💡 Mnemonic

SPECIFIC points to one SPECIFIC thing, not a general group.

📖 Example

The teacher asked for a specific deadline, not just "sometime next week." 🔊 The teacher asked for a particular deadline, not just "sometime next week."

🔗 Collocations

specific details – particular pieces of information

specific time – a particular point or period in time

specific person – a particular, identified individual

🔄 Synonyms

particular (adj.) – Used to single out an individual element

precise (adj.) – Sharply defined or identified

exact (adj.) – Agreeing completely with a fact or standard

🚫 Antonyms

general (adj.) – Relating to all or most people or things

vague (adj.) – Of uncertain or indefinite character

universal (adj.) – Applicable to all cases

🌱 Derivatives

specify (v.) – To state something clearly and precisely

specification (n.) – A detailed description of design or materials

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English in the 1630s via French from Latin 'specificus', meaning 'constituting a kind or sort'. In science, it's crucial for distinguishing one element, disease, or result from another, as in 'specific gravity' or 'specific heat'.

Meaning 2：detailed and precise (specific)

specific 🔊

/spəˈsɪfɪk/

adj.

Very clear and detailed, leaving no room for confusion.

detailed and precise 🔊

➕

/ˈdiːteɪld ənd prɪˈsaɪs/

adj.

Describes information, instructions, or descriptions that are very clear, exact, and leave no room for misunderstanding.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The instructions for assembling the furniture were very specific, with pictures for every step. 🔊 The instructions for assembling the furniture were very detailed and precise, with pictures for every step.

🔗 Collocations

specific instructions – clear, step-by-step directions

specific requirements – exact and detailed conditions that must be met

specific measurements – exact dimensions or quantities

🔄 Synonyms

detailed (adj.) – Having many facts or items provided

explicit (adj.) – Stated clearly and in detail

unambiguous (adj.) – Not open to more than one interpretation

🚫 Antonyms

vague (adj.) – Not clearly expressed or defined

ambiguous (adj.) – Open to more than one interpretation

unclear (adj.) – Not easy to see, hear, or understand