How to pronounce specific
Say it like spuh-SIF-ik. Specific has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SIF).
- spuh
- SIF
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Starts with 'spuh': 'spuh-SIF-ik'. Avoid 'pacific'.
Specific pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- spuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SIFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of specific
American and British speakers say specific in essentially the same way: /spəˈsɪfɪk/ in the US and /spɪˈsɪfɪk/ in the UK.
British respelling: spih-SIF-ik.
What does specific mean?
- Explicit or definite.
- Pertaining to a species, as a taxon or taxa at the rank of species.
- Special, distinctive or unique.
- A distinguishing attribute or quality.
- A remedy for a specific disease or condition.
- Specification.
Where does specific come from?
From Old French specifique, from Late Latin specificus (“specific, particular”), from Latin speciēs (“kind”) + -ific.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with specific
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of specific.
Questions about saying specific
How do you pronounce specific?
Say spuh-SIF-ik. The American pronunciation is /spəˈsɪfɪk/. In British English it is /spɪˈsɪfɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in specific?
Specific has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SIF). Broken into parts: spuh · SIF · ik.
Do Americans and Brits say specific the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /spəˈsɪfɪk/ and the British form is /spɪˈsɪfɪk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.