specialize

Verb
US[spesh-uh-lahyz]/ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz/3 syllables
Synonyms: specialisenarrownarrow downspecifyparticularizeparticularisespeciatedifferentiate

Open English WordNet

Verb (5)specializes, specialized, specializing

  1. become more focused on an area of activity or field of study“She specializes in Near Eastern history”Synonyms: specialisenarrownarrow downMore general change, alterMore specific overspecialize, overspecialise
  2. be specific about“Could you please specify your criticism of my paper?”Synonyms: specifyparticularizeparticularisespecialiseMore general elaborate, lucubrateMore specific spell out
  3. suit to a special purpose“specialize one's research”“this kind of beak has become specialized in certain Galapagos finches”Synonyms: specialiseMore general modify
  4. devote oneself to a special area of work“She specializes in honey bees”“This baker specializes in French bread”Synonyms: specialiseMore general work
  5. evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environmentSynonyms: speciatedifferentiatespecialiseMore general evolve

Related words specialization noun, medical specialist noun, specializer noun, specialist noun, differentiation noun

Word of the day · Nov 14About this word
dubiousadjective

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Spe′cial·ize transitive verb

1. To mention specially; to particularize.

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

3. Biology To supply with an organ or organs having a special function or functions.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

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