What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stipulate
Example
The contract stipulates that the work must be completed within two weeks. [stipulates: verb]
Example
One of the stipulations of the job offer was that the employee had to work on weekends. [stipulations: noun]
specify
Example
Please specify the color and size of the shirt you want to order. [specify: verb]
Example
The instructions specified that the cake needed to be baked at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. [specified: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Specify is more commonly used than stipulate in everyday language. Specify is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stipulate is less common and typically used in legal or formal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between stipulate and specify?
Stipulate is generally considered more formal than specify, as it is often used in legal or contractual contexts and has a more authoritative tone.
