SPECIALIZE

speciate, differentiate, specialize, specialise

(verb) evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment

specialize, specialise, narrow, narrow down

(verb) become more focused on an area of activity or field of study; “She specializes in Near Eastern history”

specialize, specialise

(verb) suit to a special purpose; “specialize one’s research”; “this kind of beak has become specialized in certain Galapagos finches”

specify, particularize, particularise, specialize, specialise

(verb) be specific about; “Could you please specify your criticism of my paper?”

specialize, specialise

(verb) devote oneself to a special area of work; “She specializes in honey bees”; “This baker specializes in French bread”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Verb

specialize (third-person singular simple present specializes, present participle specializing, simple past and past participle specialized)

To make distinct or separate, particularly:

(obsolete, intransitive) To go into specific details.

(rare, transitive) To specify: to mention specifically.

(uncommon, transitive) To narrow in scope.

(biology, transitive) To make distinct or separate in form or function.

(intransitive) To become distinct or separate, particularly:

To focus one's study upon a particular skill, field, topic, or genre.

To focus one's business upon a particular item or service.

(usually pejorative) To be known or notorious for some specialty.

Usage notes

In biological contexts, specialized is often used with the prepositions for [when describing the function] or into [when describing the form]. In academic, professional, and commercial contexts, it is usually used with the preposition in.

Antonyms

• generalize

Source: Wiktionary


Spe"cial*ize, v. t.

1. To mention specialy; to particularize.

2. To apply to some specialty or limited object; to assign to a specific use; as, specialized knowledge.

3. (Biol.)

Definition: To supply with an organ or organs having a special function or functions.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

17 January 2025

OBSERVE

(verb) conform one’s action or practice to; “keep appointments”; “she never keeps her promises”; “We kept to the original conditions of the contract”


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