What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
specify
Example
Please specify the exact dimensions of the box. [specify: verb]
Example
The job posting specified that applicants must have at least five years of experience. [specified: past tense]
describe
Example
Can you describe what the suspect looked like? [describe: verb]
Example
The author described the setting in great detail, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind. [described: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Describe is more commonly used than specify in everyday language. Describe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while specify is more commonly used in technical or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between specify and describe?
Specify is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while describe can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
