specification
A detailed description of the requirements, dimensions, materials, or appearance of something, often written or agreed upon before a project begins. It specifies exactly what needs to be done or included.
A specification is a detailed document that precisely defines the requirements for creating or achieving something.
Mot en 30 secondes
- Detailed document outlining requirements for a project.
- Specifies materials, dimensions, and performance.
- Crucial for accuracy in technical and professional fields.
Summary
A specification is a detailed document that precisely defines the requirements for creating or achieving something.
- Detailed document outlining requirements for a project.
- Specifies materials, dimensions, and performance.
- Crucial for accuracy in technical and professional fields.
Be precise with details
When writing or discussing specifications, always aim for clarity and exactness. Avoid vague language to prevent misinterpretation.
Avoid ambiguity in specs
Ambiguous specifications can lead to costly errors, delays, and products or services that don't meet expectations.
International standards matter
In global projects, be aware of and adhere to relevant international or regional standards mentioned in the specifications.
Exemples
4 sur 4Please review the technical specifications for the new server before purchasing.
The construction company failed to meet the exact specifications outlined in the contract.
Do you have the specs for that laptop? I need to know the processor speed.
The research paper included detailed specifications for the experimental apparatus.
Famille de mots
Astuce mémo
Think of 'specific' actions needed to build something precisely. A 'specification' lists these specific actions and details.
**Overview**
A 'specification' is a precise and often technical document that outlines the exact requirements for a product, service, or project. Think of it as a detailed blueprint or set of instructions that everyone involved must follow to ensure the final outcome meets the agreed-upon standards. Specifications can cover a wide range of details, from the materials to be used and their quality, to the dimensions, performance criteria, and even aesthetic features.
**Usage Patterns**
'Specification' is commonly used in contexts where accuracy and detail are crucial. It often appears in professional, technical, and academic settings. You might hear or read about 'product specifications', 'technical specifications', 'project specifications', or 'design specifications'. The word is often used in the plural form, 'specifications', to refer to the entire set of detailed requirements.
**Common Contexts**:
- Engineering and Manufacturing: When designing and building a product, engineers create detailed specifications for every component and the overall performance.
- Construction: Architects and builders work from specifications that detail the materials, dimensions, and methods for constructing a building.
- Software Development: Programmers follow specifications that outline the features, functionality, and user interface of a software application.
- Procurement: When buying goods or services, organizations often issue a 'Request for Proposal' (RFP) that includes detailed specifications to ensure vendors understand exactly what is needed.
- Academic Research: Researchers might outline the specifications for an experiment or the criteria for selecting participants.
**Similar Words Comparison**:
- Requirement: While similar, 'requirement' is a broader term. A specification is a type of requirement, specifically a detailed and precise one. A project might have general requirements (e.g., 'it must be user-friendly'), but the specifications would detail how to achieve that (e.g., 'response time under 2 seconds for all primary actions').
- Standard: A standard is a level of quality or attainment. Specifications often aim to meet certain standards, but a specification is the document detailing how to meet them for a particular project, whereas a standard might be a general guideline (e.g., ISO 9001 is a quality management standard).
Notes d'usage
The term 'specification' is typically used in formal or technical contexts. It implies a level of precision and detail that goes beyond a simple description or requirement. Often used in the plural ('specifications') when referring to the complete set of details.
Erreurs courantes
Avoid using 'specification' interchangeably with 'description' or 'suggestion', as it implies a much higher degree of exactness and obligation. Also, ensure correct pluralization ('specifications') when referring to multiple details.
Astuce mémo
Think of 'specific' actions needed to build something precisely. A 'specification' lists these specific actions and details.
Origine du mot
The word 'specification' comes from the Latin 'specificare', meaning 'to mention or appoint specifically'. It entered English in the 15th century, initially referring to a detailed statement or enumeration.
Contexte culturel
In many cultures, adherence to agreed-upon specifications is a matter of professional integrity and contractual obligation, especially in business and technical fields.
Exemples
Please review the technical specifications for the new server before purchasing.
professionalThe construction company failed to meet the exact specifications outlined in the contract.
formalDo you have the specs for that laptop? I need to know the processor speed.
informalThe research paper included detailed specifications for the experimental apparatus.
academicFamille de mots
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
technical specifications
user specifications
within specifications
Souvent confondu avec
A description is a general account of something. A specification is a detailed, often technical, set of requirements that must be met.
Instructions tell someone how to do something. Specifications define what needs to be achieved or included, often serving as the basis for instructions.
Modèles grammaticaux
Be precise with details
When writing or discussing specifications, always aim for clarity and exactness. Avoid vague language to prevent misinterpretation.
Avoid ambiguity in specs
Ambiguous specifications can lead to costly errors, delays, and products or services that don't meet expectations.
International standards matter
In global projects, be aware of and adhere to relevant international or regional standards mentioned in the specifications.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence by choosing the best word.
The architect provided detailed ______ for the new building, including the type of bricks and the window dimensions.
The sentence refers to detailed requirements like materials and dimensions, which is the definition of 'specifications'.
Choose the best option to complete the sentence.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a product specification sheet?
Product specifications detail the exact technical requirements and features.
Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence using the word 'specification'.
project / the / needs / clear / specification / a / has
The correct sentence is 'The project needs a clear specification.'
Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsA requirement is a general need or condition. A specification is a detailed and precise description of how to meet that requirement, often including technical details, measurements, and materials.
Yes, the verb form is 'specify'. It means to state something clearly and in detail, or to describe or identify something precisely.
They are most common in technical fields like engineering, manufacturing, construction, and software development, as well as in business contracts and academic research.
Specifications are important because they ensure clarity, consistency, and quality. They prevent misunderstandings, guide the creation process, and provide a basis for testing and acceptance.
Voir dans les vidéos
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Grammaire lie
Vocabulaire associé
A guideline is a non-mandatory set of rules or instructions...
requirementA thing that is needed or wanted; a condition that must be m...
standardA standard is a level of quality or achievement that is cons...
blueprintTo design or outline a detailed plan for something, often us...
detailA small part of something; a particular fact.
