specificity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'specificity' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun and it refers to the quality or condition of being specific. Example sentence: We need to improve the specificity of our customer feedback to better tailor our services.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Our job is to be very specific, and in that specificity to make it real, to make it live again".

The Guardian

Note that experimental organisms may be selected with respect to variety and specificity simultaneously, such as when a biologist working on a specific phenomenon intends to work on others using the same model in the future.

SEP

"I think there's something about the specificity of stories, and of place, that audiences across the world are really responding to," says Stephenson. "So just as we in the UK are responding really well to Scandinavian stories, which we wouldn't have done 10 years ago, even very parochial British stories are engaging American audiences.

The Guardian

The White House did not reply with specificity to calls and emails on why the woman who had, for the duration of Obama's presidency, been entrusted with beautifying the nation's most famous address was apparently not trusted to leave the premises on her own.

The Guardian

He asked for renewed specificity from the Fed in its diagnoses and prognostications.

The Guardian - Business

Mike Lynch, releasing a statement in the small hours of the night, complained that HP "failed to provide a detailed calculation" of the $8.8bn £5.4bnn) write-down in the value of Autonomy in an end-of-year SEC filing released earlier on Thursday, and said that HP's lack of specificity amounted to a "material change" in the allegations made.

The Guardian - Tech

They endorsed a Russian proposal for a climate change conference there in 2003, which some interpret as an attempt to buy time.Lack of specificity was one of the common threads running through the summit's conclusions.

The Economist

But it is only a hint.Both candidates deserve equal blame for not addressing with any specificity California's most urgent problem.

The Economist

For example, their chemical specificity means that they might not bind to their targets in humans as they do in other species.The MHRA has decided that a working group of experts is now needed to decide how trials of this sort of drug can be handled more safely.

The Economist

The best formula for such a commentary might call for ambiguity, rather than specificity.

The Economist

But the new agenda "goes far beyond Wen-era platitudes in its boldness and specificity," argues Andrew Batson of GaveKal Dragonomics, a consultancy in Beijing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in technical writing, prioritize "specificity" to ensure your audience understands the exact details and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague language; replace general terms with specific details to enhance the clarity and impact of your message. Omitting "specificity" can lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "specificity" is as a noun, representing the quality or state of being specific. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes the importance of detailed and precise information. Examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting the need for accuracy and clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specificity" functions as a noun that stresses the significance of precision and thoroughness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely utilized across numerous fields, including News & Media and Science. To achieve optimal clarity and impact in your writing, prioritize "specificity" by using precise details and avoiding generalities. Be mindful of the context and register, as "specificity" is commonly found in formal and scientific discourse. Alternatives such as "particularity" and "precision" can be employed to refine your message. By integrating these guidelines, you can effectively enhance the clarity and accuracy of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particularity

Emphasizes the detailed or individual aspects of something, differing from "specificity" by highlighting uniqueness.

precision

Focuses on accuracy and exactness, unlike "specificity" which centers on being definite and detailed.

exactness

Highlights the quality of being strictly accurate or correct, differing from "specificity" by emphasizing accuracy over detail.

clarity

Emphasizes the quality of being easily understood, while "specificity" focuses on detailed information.

definition

Focuses on the precise meaning or scope of something, unlike "specificity" which centers on detailed attributes.

minuteness

Emphasizes the extremely small details involved, differing from "specificity" by highlighting scale.

thoroughness

Implies completeness and attention to detail, differing from "specificity" by highlighting completeness.

meticulousness

Highlights carefulness and precision, while "specificity" focuses on detailed information.

distinctness

Focuses on the clear differentiation of something, differing from "specificity" by emphasizing separation.

explicitness

Highlights clarity and directness in expression, differing from "specificity" by focusing on how clearly something is stated.

FAQs

How can I use "specificity" in a sentence?

You can use "specificity" to emphasize the importance of detailed and precise information. For example, "The success of the project hinged on the specificity of the data collected."

What are some alternatives to using the word "specificity"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "particularity", "precision", or "exactness" to convey a similar meaning.

In what contexts is "specificity" most important?

"Specificity" is crucial in contexts where precision and detail are paramount, such as in scientific research, legal documentation, and technical specifications. This level of detail ensures clarity and minimizes potential misunderstandings.

How does "specificity" contribute to effective communication?

"Specificity" enhances communication by providing concrete details that help the audience understand the message clearly. It reduces ambiguity and ensures that the intended meaning is accurately conveyed. Without it, communication can be vague and open to misinterpretation.