Library / English Dictionary

SPECIALISE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment

Synonyms:

differentiate; specialise; specialize; speciate

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "specialise" is one way to...):

evolve (undergo development or evolution)

Sentence frames:

Something ----s
Somebody ----s

Derivation:

specialisation ((biology) the structural adaptation of some body part for a particular function)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Become more focused on an area of activity or field of study

Example:

She specializes in Near Eastern history

Synonyms:

narrow; narrow down; specialise; specialize

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "specialise" is one way to...):

alter; change; vary (become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "specialise"):

overspecialise; overspecialize (become overly specialized)

Sentence frames:

Something ----s
Somebody ----s
Something is ----ing PP
Somebody ----s PP

Antonym:

diversify (vary in order to spread risk or to expand)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Suit to a special purpose

Example:

this kind of beak has become specialized in certain Galapagos finches

Synonyms:

specialise; specialize

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Hypernyms (to "specialise" is one way to...):

modify (make less severe or harsh or extreme)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

specialisation (the act of specializing; making something suitable for a special purpose)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Be specific about

Example:

Could you please specify your criticism of my paper?

Synonyms:

particularise; particularize; specialise; specialize; specify

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Hypernyms (to "specialise" is one way to...):

dilate; elaborate; enlarge; expand; expatiate; exposit; expound; flesh out; lucubrate (add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "specialise"):

spell out (make explicit; specify in detail)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Something ----s something
Somebody ----s that CLAUSE

Sense 5

Meaning:

Devote oneself to a special area of work

Example:

This baker specializes in French bread

Synonyms:

specialise; specialize

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Hypernyms (to "specialise" is one way to...):

work (exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s PP

Derivation:

specialisation (the special line of work you have adopted as your career)

specialiser; specialist (an expert who is devoted to one occupation or branch of learning)

specialist (practices one branch of medicine)

Credits