Basic Details
Word: Specification
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A detailed description of how something must be made or what it must be like; often used in the plural for the details of a machine.
Synonyms: requirement, detail, description, standard
How to Spell Specification
Syllables: spec - i - fi - ca - tion
Tricky part: Specify drops its y and takes -ication. Students write specefication or specifacation, mixing up the i's and a.
Watch out for: specefication, specifacation, specificasion
Memory tip: Specify works like qualify: qualify gives qualification, and specify gives specification. Swap the y for -ication.
Usage Examples
Example 1: Before buying the laptop, Papa compared the specifications of three models.
Example 2: The tailor followed my exact specifications for the kurta.
Example 3: Every brick for the bridge had to meet a strict specification.
Fun Fact
The short form specs is used both for specifications and, in British English, for spectacles.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
specificattion
a) t
b) f
c) i
d) c
Show answer
a) t. Like every -ation word, specification has a single t before ion.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word specification as used in the sentence:
The engineers built the railway bridge exactly to the specification given by the board.
a) budget
b) requirement
c) guess
d) rumour
Show answer
b) requirement. A specification sets out what is required, so requirement is closest.
Spell-o-Spell
Three of these words are misspelt and one is correct. Choose the meaning of the correct word:
1. specification 2. dimention 3. warrenty 4. instalation
a) a size measured in one direction
b) the act of putting equipment in place
c) a detailed description of how something must be made
d) a written promise to repair or replace goods
Show answer
c) a detailed description of how something must be made. Dimension ends in -sion, warranty has an a and installation has a double l, so specification is correct.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A machine built 'to specification' is made ____.
a) exactly as the stated details require
b) without any plan or drawing at all
c) in any way the maker happens to like
d) with the cheapest parts in the shop
Show answer
a) exactly as the stated details require
2. Where would you most likely find specifications?
a) on a school holiday list
b) in a birthday greeting card
c) in a book of fairy tales
d) in a car's technical manual
Show answer
d) in a car's technical manual
