spe|cial|ize ◆◇◇ /spe ʃəla I z/ (specializes , specializing , specialized ) in BRIT, also use specialise VERB If you specialize in a thing, you know a lot about it and concentrate a great deal of your time and energy on it, especially in your work or when you are studying or training. You also use specialize to talk about a restaurant which concentrates on a particular type of food. □ [V + in ] …a University professor who specializes in the history of the Russian empire. □ [V + in ] …a Portuguese restaurant which specializes in seafood. ● spe|ciali|za|tion /spe ʃəla I ze I ʃ ə n/ (specializations ) N‑VAR □ [+ in ] This degree offers a major specialisation in Social Policy alongside a course in Sociology.
spe|cial|ized /spe ʃəla I zd/ in BRIT, also use specialised ADJ Someone or something that is specialized is trained or developed for a particular purpose or area of knowledge. □ Psychiatric patients get specialized support from knowledgeable staff. □ …a specialized knowledge of American History.
spe|cial|ly /spe ʃəli/
1 ADV [ADV with v] If something has been done specially for a particular person or purpose, it has been done only for that person or purpose. □ …a soap specially designed for those with sensitive skins. □ [+ for ] The school is specially for children whose schooling has been disrupted by illness.
2 ADV [ADV adj] Specially is used to mean more than usually or more than other things. [INFORMAL ] □ What was specially enjoyable about that job?
spe |cial nee ds N‑PLURAL [oft N n] People with special needs are people who need special help or care, for example because they have a disability. [BRIT ] □ …a school for children with special needs.
spe |cial o f|fer (special offers ) N‑COUNT A special offer is a product, service, or programme that is offered at reduced prices or rates. □ Ask about special offers on our new 2-week holidays.
spe |cial plea d|ing N‑UNCOUNT If someone is using special pleading , they are trying to persuade you to do something by only telling you the facts that support their case. □ The Secretary of State has given in to special pleading.
spe |cial school (special schools ) N‑COUNT A special school is a school for children who have some kind of serious physical or mental problem. [BRIT ]
spe|cial|ty /spe ʃ ə lti/ (specialties )
1 N‑COUNT Someone's specialty is a particular type of work that they do most or do best, or a subject that they know a lot about. [AM ] □ His specialty is international law. in BRIT, use speciality 2 N‑COUNT A specialty of a particular place is a special food or product that is always very good there. [AM ] □ …seafood, paella, empanadas and other specialties. in BRIT, use speciality
spe|cies ◆◇◇ /spiː ʃiz/ (species ) N‑COUNT A species is a class of plants or animals whose members have the same main characteristics and are able to breed with each other. □ Pandas are an endangered species. □ There are several thousand species of trees here. SYNONYMS species NOUN
breed: Certain breeds are more dangerous than others.
variety: She has 12 varieties of old-fashioned roses.
class: …the division of the stars into six classes of brightness.
spe|cif|ic ◆◆◇ /sp I s I f I k/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use specific to refer to a particular fixed area, problem, or subject. □ Massage may help to increase blood flow to specific areas of the body. □ There are several specific problems to be dealt with. □ …the specific needs of the individual.
2 ADJ If someone is specific , they give a description that is precise and exact. You can also use specific to describe their description. □ She's from the USA, Boston to be more specific. □ This report offered the most specific and accurate description of the problems. ● speci|fic|ity /spe s I f I s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …the kind of extreme specificity normally associated only with computer programmes.
3 ADJ Something that is specific to a particular thing is connected with that thing only. □ [+ to ] Send your resume with a cover letter that is specific to that particular job. ● COMB Specific is also used after nouns. □ Most studies of trade have been country-specific. □ …a job-specific course. SYNONYMS specific ADJ
1
particular: …if there are particular things you're interested in.
speciaclass="underline" …it requires a very special brand of courage to fight dictators.
2
precise: He was not clear on the precise nature of his mission.
exact: I don't remember the exact words.
explicit: …explicit references to age in recruitment advertising.
spe|cifi|cal|ly ◆◇◇ /sp I s I f I kli/
1 ADV [ADV with v] You use specifically to emphasize that something is given special attention and considered separately from other things of the same kind. [EMPHASIS ] □ Our service is designed specifically for college students. □ We haven't specifically targeted school children. □ …the only book specifically about that event.