specification - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
specification Word Meanings
- a detailed description of the requirements for a project
- a statement of the exact conditions
- a document outlining the features and use of something
specification Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
specification Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
US
/ˌspɛsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
specification Word Etymology
specification = speci- (from Latin 'specere', meaning 'to look or see') + -fication (action or process). Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a detailed blueprint with outlines you look at to follow while building something intricately.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean over the desk, move a stack of notes, and push the draft forward until it sits in front of me. I hold steady, adjust the margins, and shift from big ideas to exact asks. The page seems to change as I turn pages, letting the details settle like a plan you can actually follow. In the end I set down a clear, practical outline—a guide you can rely on when you build, test, or use something.
Real Context
Specification is a formal, detailed description of the requirements, features, and constraints for a project, product, or system. It serves as a guide for designers, developers, and testers, outlining what must be built, how it should perform, and under what conditions. A specification can be a written document with sections for scope, functions, interfaces, quality criteria, and acceptance tests. In practice, teams use specifications to reduce ambiguity, set measurable goals, and align stakeholders. Different types exist, such as functional specifications describing behavior, technical specifications detailing architecture, and product specifications listing features and use cases. Precision matters; vague specs lead to misinterpretation, scope creep, and rework.
Usage Reminders
- Use precise, measurable terms
- Define scope, functions, interfaces, and acceptance criteria
- Include assumptions, constraints, and dependencies
- Differentiate between functional and technical specs
- Write for all stakeholders, not just developers
- Keep the document modular and easy to review
Common Misconceptions
- Spec is only for engineers; clients don't need it
- Specification equals design or implementation plan
- You write it after development starts
- It's optional; you can skip it for small projects
- Vague specs are acceptable if the product is simple
Thinking Differences
In English, specification conveys formal, contract-like precision; learners often conflate it with design or user manuals and may skip sections like acceptance criteria.
Learning Tips
- Study a real spec to see common sections
- Identify scope, features, interfaces, and tests
- Differentiate functional vs technical sections
- Rewrite a paragraph to remove ambiguity
- Practice spotting vague phrases
- Summarize the spec in one page
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'specification'?
A.A type of fruit
B.A type of book
C.A specific dish in a restaurant menu
D.A detailed description or explanation of something
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'specification' used correctly?
A.The teacher's specifications for the project were very clear.
B.She decided to add more flavor specifications to the recipe.
C.He had a hard time understanding the specification of the task.
D.The cat's specification was to be fed twice a day.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'specification'?
A.Confusion
B.Clarification
C.Vagueness
D.Ambiguity
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite meaning of 'specification'?
A.Inference
B.Summary
C.Generalization
D.Implication
Step 5: Mastery
How is the concept of 'specification' important in software development?
A.It is not necessary in the software development process.
B.It allows for creative freedom in coding.
C.It helps developers understand exactly what needs to be built.
D.It only applies to hardware development.
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