specifications

IPA/ˌspes.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/
KK[spˌɛsəfəkˈeʃənz]IPA/ˌspes.ə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən/

specifications — noun

  • specificationssingular
  • specificationsesplural

1. A document or set of instructions that lists every exact measurement, material,

1.名詞B1
釋義

A document or set of instructions that lists every exact measurement, material, and feature required for making or building something, such as a machine, a building, or a computer system.

例句

The architect checked the building specifications before construction began.

specifications of/for [building]

Soraya printed the software specifications and shared them with her team.

同義詞
  • requirements

    broader meaning; can include any needed condition, not only technical details

  • criteria

    standards used for judging or evaluating, not step-by-step instructions for making something

  • guidelines

    less strict and less precise than specifications; suggestions rather than exact rules

文法句型

specifications + for + noun phrase

according to + specifications

meet + specifications

用法筆記

Frequently used in the plural form 'specifications.' Common in engineering, manufacturing, architecture, and software development. Often appears with 'according to' and 'meet.'

常見錯誤

❌I need the specific of the new laptop.
✅I need the specifications of the new laptop.
💡'specifications' is the standard noun for a technical description; 'specific' is an adjective, not a noun.

2. The action of stating something in an exact and clear way, naming precisely what

2.名詞B2
釋義

The action of stating something in an exact and clear way, naming precisely what is needed, wanted, or required.

例句

The contract requires the specification of every material used in the project.

specification of + noun phrase

Omar's role involves the specification of safety standards for new factories.

同義詞
  • definition

    focuses on giving the meaning of something rather than listing requirements

  • identification

    focuses on naming or recognizing, not on detailed description

文法句型

specification + of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Used in formal or professional writing. Typically followed by 'of' and a noun describing what is being specified. This sense is less common than sense 1 in everyday conversation.

常見錯誤

❌The specification of the problem helped us find a solution.' (ambiguous)
✅Clearly specifying the problem helped us find a solution.
💡The noun 'specification' for the act of specifying can sound unnatural; the verb 'specify' is often clearer.

3. A single condition or rule written into a legal agreement or contract that both

3.名詞B2
釋義

A single condition or rule written into a legal agreement or contract that both sides must obey or carry out.

例句

The contract includes a specification that all workers must wear safety helmets.

specification that + clause

Talia agreed to every specification in the lease except the one about pets.

同義詞
  • stipulation

    more formal and strongly associated with legal documents

  • condition

    a requirement that must be satisfied before something else can happen

  • provision

    a clause in a legal document that makes a specific arrangement

反義詞
  • option

    something you may choose rather than a binding requirement

文法句型

specification + that + clause

specification + for + noun phrase

according to + specification

meet + a + specification

用法筆記

In this sense, 'specification' is a countable noun and often appears in the singular (a specification) or plural (specifications) when referring to individual requirements within a contract. Common in legal, procurement, and business contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The contract has many specification.
✅The contract has many specifications.
💡When referring to multiple individual requirements, use the plural form.