spec
spec — noun
1. a short, informal way of saying 'specification' — a written document or list tha
a short, informal way of saying 'specification' — a written document or list that states exactly what features, materials, or qualities a product, machine, or building must have.
Sora checked the laptop's specs before buying it for his graphic design projects.
check the specs of [product]
The architect sent the full spec of the new office building to the construction team.
According to the spec, each shelf must be able to hold at least thirty kilograms.
Nikhil compared the specs of three different cameras before making a choice.
The phone's technical specs include a faster processor and a larger battery.
- specification
the full, formal term; 'spec' is an informal shortening
- requirements
broader — can include non-technical needs
- parameters
focuses on limits and boundaries rather than features
文法句型
the specs of [product]
check the specs for [device]
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form 'specs' when referring to the technical features of a product. Common in technology, engineering, and construction contexts.
常見錯誤
2. doing something without arranging it in advance, hoping that luck brings what yo
doing something without arranging it in advance, hoping that luck brings what you want.
James sent his portfolio to several publishers on spec, hoping for a book deal.
on spec [verb]
Ife walked into the hotel on spec and asked if any rooms were free.
The musician recorded a demo and mailed it to several labels on spec.
Sari submitted her article to the magazine on spec, without any promise from the editor.
- on a gamble
more informal; emphasises the risk involved
- on the off chance
similar meaning but slightly more wordy and general
- speculatively
more formal; used in business contexts
- by arrangement
the opposite — organised ahead of time
- on commission
done only after an order is placed
文法句型
on spec [verb]
用法筆記
Always appears in the fixed expression 'on spec'. The phrase is used both adverbially ('send it on spec') and as a modifier after nouns ('a submission done on spec').
常見錯誤
spec — verb
1. to choose and write down the exact technical details that a product or system mu
to choose and write down the exact technical details that a product or system must have, usually as part of a design process.
Liang is speccing the components for the new gaming computer his company plans to launch.
spec [object] for [purpose]
The plumbing was specced to handle two bathrooms and a kitchen.
passive: was specced to [do something]
Mauricio spent the morning speccing the materials needed for the roof replacement job.
Yuki is speccing the steel beams for a new bridge before the contractor orders them.
Talia specced a more powerful engine for the prototype after the first test failed.
文法句型
spec [object] for [purpose]
spec [object] [adjective]
用法筆記
The past forms are often written as 'specced' (or 'spec'd') and the present participle as 'speccing'. This verb is widely used in engineering, IT, and construction but is still considered informal in general writing.
常見錯誤
spec — adjective
1. describing a house, apartment, or other building that a developer builds without
describing a house, apartment, or other building that a developer builds without a buyer lined up, intending to sell it on the open market after construction is finished.
Nellie bought a spec house in the new area on the edge of town.
spec house
Many spec homes in the area share the same floor plan from a standard design.
The company built three spec buildings on the industrial lot last winter.
Élise prefers a custom home over a spec house for her own style and layout.
- speculative
the full formal adjective; 'spec house' is short for 'speculative house'
- ready-built
broader — means already built without a specific customer
- build-to-sell
describes the business model rather than the building itself
- custom-built
made for a specific buyer's personal requirements
- bespoke
made to order for a particular client
文法句型
spec + noun
用法筆記
Always used before a noun — you can say 'spec house' or 'spec building' but not 'the house is spec'. Mostly used in British and Australian real estate; in American English, 'speculative building' or 'build-on-spec' is more common.
常見錯誤
spec — abbreviation
1. a short written form of 'special' or 'specialist', used in notices, advertisemen
a short written form of 'special' or 'specialist', used in notices, advertisements, labels, or official listings to save space.
A sign on the clinic door read: 'Spec. clinic every Wednesday from two to five.'
written abbreviation: spec.
Rania checked the hospital directory and found Dr. Okonkwo listed as a spec. in neurology.
The shop window displayed a sign: 'Spec. offer — twenty percent off all coats.'
Shanti found a book with a 'spec. edition' sticker and bought it for her brother.
The course catalog listed a spec. program for students interested in solar energy.
- special
the full word; use this in formal writing and speech
- specialist
the full word for a medical or professional expert
文法句型
spec. + noun
用法筆記
Always written with a period ('spec.') to show it is an abbreviation. Used mainly in short written formats such as signs, schedules, directories, and classified ads. Not used in spoken English — you say the full word 'special' or 'specialist' aloud.
2. a short written form of 'specifically', used in notes, memos, or informal writte
a short written form of 'specifically', used in notes, memos, or informal written instructions to introduce a precise point or clarification.
The manager's memo said: 'Spec., no overtime will be approved for the next two weeks.'
written abbreviation: spec.
The safety guidelines state: 'Spec., do not use metal tools on the glass screen.'
A note on the fridge said: 'Spec., no dairy products after Friday.'
The teacher wrote: 'Spec., all essays due by noon on Monday.'
The rental contract stated: 'Spec., no pets are allowed in the building.'
- specifically
the full word; use this in all formal and most informal writing
文法句型
Spec., [clause]
用法筆記
Always written with a period ('spec.') and usually placed at the start of a sentence or clause. This usage is quite rare and appears mostly in internal company memos, notes, or short written directives. In everyday writing, use the full word 'specifically'.