English verb: specialise | |||
1. | specialise (social) devote oneself to a special area of work | ||
Samples | She specializes in honey bees. This baker specializes in French bread. | ||
Synonyms | specialize | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s PP | ||
Broader (hypernym) | work | ||
2. | specialise (communication) be specific about | ||
Samples | Could you please specify your criticism of my paper?. | ||
Synonyms | particularise, particularize, specialize, specify | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something. Something ----s something. Somebody ----s that CLAUSE | ||
Broader (hypernym) | dilate, elaborate, enlarge, expand, expatiate, exposit, expound, flesh out, lucubrate | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | spell out | ||
Antonyms | generalise, generalize | ||
3. | specialise (change) suit to a special purpose | ||
Samples | Specialize one's research. This kind of beak has become specialized in certain Galapagos finches. | ||
Synonyms | specialize | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | modify | ||
4. | specialise (change) become more focus on an area of activity or field of study | ||
Samples | She specializes in Near Eastern history. | ||
Synonyms | narrow, narrow down, specialize | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----s. Somebody ----s. Something is ----ing PP. Somebody ----s PP | ||
Broader (hypernym) | alter, change, vary | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | overspecialise, overspecialize | ||
Antonyms | branch out, broaden, diversify | ||
5. | specialise (change) evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment | ||
Synonyms | differentiate, specialize, speciate | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----s. Somebody ----s | ||
Broader (hypernym) | evolve | ||