Particular vs. Specific: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Particular" refers to something distinct among others, while "Specific" denotes something clearly defined or identified.
Key Differences
"Particular" often implies a focus on one distinct element among others. It can imply uniqueness or a concern for detail. "Specific," on the other hand, refers to something clearly defined, identified, or explicit. It stresses precision and clarity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
When something is described as "particular," it suggests selectivity or a focus on a singular aspect of a larger group. "Specific" implies a lack of ambiguity. It is used when something is precisely and unambiguously described.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
In usage, "particular" can convey a sense of fastidiousness or fussiness about details. "Specific" is more about being clear and exact, often used in contexts where precision is key.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
"Particular" might be used when emphasizing a preference or a detail among many. "Specific" is often employed when delineating or specifying something from a general category.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
The word "particular" can suggest a higher degree of attention or concern for something. "Specific" often conveys a sense of purpose or intention in identifying something clearly.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Ambiguity Level
Low, but can imply a broader context
Very low, stresses exactitude
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Nov 22, 2023
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Particular and Specific Definitions
Particular
Focused on specific details or aspects.
She is very particular about her coffee.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Specific
Explicitly identified or stated.
Give me a specific example of your point.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Particular
Pertaining to a specific point or detail.
In this particular case, the rule doesn't apply.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Specific
Clearly and unambiguously articulated.
She made a specific request for her meal.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Particular
Of, belonging to, or associated with a specific person, group, thing, or category; not general or universal
She did not have a particular café in mind for their get-together.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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Specific
Clear, not open to multiple interpretations.
The contract needs specific terms.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Particular
Distinctive among others of the same group, category, or nature; noteworthy or exceptional
An area known for its particular style of architecture.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Of, relating to, or providing details; precise
Gave a particular description of the incident.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Clear or detailed in communicating
Be specific when telling us what you need.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Attentive to or concerned with details or niceties, often excessively so; fussy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Limited, distinctive, or unique
Problems specific to small colleges.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
(Logic) Encompassing some but not all of the members of a class or group. Used of a proposition.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Intended for, applying to, or acting on a particular thing
A specific remedy for warts.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
An individual item, fact, or detail
The two schools are similar in every particular. The police refused to divulge the particulars of the case.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Concerned particularly with the subject specified. Often used in combination
"age-specific voting patterns" (A. Dianne Schmidley).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Relating to, characterizing, or distinguishing a species
A specific name.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Designating a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Specific; discrete; concrete.
I couldn't find the particular model you asked for, but I hope this one will do.
We knew it was named after John Smith, but nobody knows which particular John Smith.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Specialised; characteristic of a specific person or thing.
I don't appreciate your particular brand of cynicism.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
(Immunology) Having an affinity limited to a particular antibody or antigen.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
(obsolete) Known only to an individual person or group; confidential.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Designating a customs charge levied on merchandise by unit or weight rather than according to value.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Distinguished in some way; special (often in negative constructions).
My five favorite places are, in no particular order, New York, Chicago, Paris, San Francisco and London.
I didn't have any particular interest in the book.
He brought no particular news.
She was the particular belle of the party.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Designating a commodity rate applicable to the transportation of a single commodity between named points.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
(comparable) Of a person, concerned with, or attentive to, details; fastidious.
He is very particular about his food and if it isn't cooked to perfection he will send it back.
These women are more particular about their appearance.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Concerned with, or attentive to, details; minute; circumstantial; precise.
A full and particular account of an accident
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
(law) Containing a part only; limited.
A particular estate, or one precedent to an estate in remainder
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
(logic) Forming a part of a genus; relatively limited in extension; affirmed or denied of a part of a subject.
A particular proposition, opposed to "universal", e.g. (particular affirmative) "Some men are wise"; (particular negative) "Some men are not wise".
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Pertaining to a species, as a taxon or taxa at the rank of species.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
A particular case; an individual thing as opposed to a whole class. (Opposed to generals, universals.)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Relating to a part or portion of anything; concerning a part separated from the whole or from others of the class; separate; sole; single; individual; specific; as, the particular stars of a constellation.
[Make] each particular hair to stand an end,Like quills upon the fretful porpentine.
Seken in every halk and every herneParticular sciences for to lerne.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Serving to identify a particular thing (often a disease or condition), with little risk of mistaking something else for it.
A highly specific test, specific and nonspecific symptoms
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Of or pertaining to a single person, class, or thing; belonging to one only; not general; not common; hence, personal; peculiar; singular.
Wheresoever one plant draweth such a particular juice out of the earth.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Being a remedy for a particular disease on a deeper level, rather than just masking the symptoms
Quinine is a specific medicine in cases of malaria.
Any improvement in secondary sciatica is probably due to the analgesic action of the sodium salicylate, but in primary sciatica, in all likelihood “rheumatic,” the effect of the sodium salicylate appears to be specific rather than symptomatic.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Separate or distinct by reason of superiority; distinguished; important; noteworthy; unusual; special; as, he brought no particular news; she was the particular belle of the party.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Concerned with, or attentive to, details; minute; circumstantial; precise; as, a full and particular account of an accident; hence, nice; fastidious; as, a man particular in his dress.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
(physics) of a value divided by mass (e.g. specific orbital energy)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Containing a part only; limited; as, a particular estate, or one precedent to an estate in remainder.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
(physics) similarly referring to a value divided by any measure which acts to standardize it (e.g. thrust specific fuel consumption, referring to fuel consumption divided by thrust)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Forming a part of a genus; relatively limited in extension; affirmed or denied of a part of a subject; as, a particular proposition; - opposed to universal: e. g. (particular affirmative) Some men are wise; (particular negative) Some men are not wise.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
(physics) a measure compared with a standard reference value by division, to produce a ratio without unit or dimension (e.g. specific refractive index is a pure number, and is relative to that of air)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
A separate or distinct member of a class, or part of a whole; an individual fact, point, circumstance, detail, or item, which may be considered separately; as, the particulars of a story.
Particulars which it is not lawful for me to reveal.
It is the greatest interest of particulars to advance the good of the community.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Special or personal peculiarity, trait, or character; individuality; interest, etc.
For his particular I'll receive him gladly.
If the particulars of each person be considered.
Temporal blessings, whether such as concern the public . . . or such as concern our particular.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
One of the details or items of grounds of claim; - usually in the pl.; also, a bill of particulars; a minute account; as, a particular of premises.
The reader has a particular of the books wherein this law was written.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
A fact about some part (as opposed to general);
He always reasons from the particular to the general
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
A small part that can be considered separately from the whole;
It was perfect in all details
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Of or pertaining to a species; characterizing or constituting a species; possessing the peculiar property or properties of a thing which constitute its species, and distinguish it from other things; as, the specific form of an animal or a plant; the specific qualities of a drug; the specific distinction between virtue and vice.
Specific difference is that primary attribute which distinguishes each species from one another.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Unique or specific to a person or thing or category;
The particular demands of the job
Has a paraticular preference for Chinese art
A peculiar bond of sympathy between them
An expression peculiar to Canadians
Rights peculiar to the rich
The special features of a computer
My own special chair
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Specifying; definite, or making definite; limited; precise; discriminating; as, a specific statement.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Separate and distinct from others;
An exception in this particular case
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Exerting a peculiar influence over any part of the body; preventing or curing disease by a peculiar adaptation, and not on general principles; as, quinine is a specific medicine in cases of malaria.
In fact, all medicines will be found specific in the perfection of the science.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Separate and distinct from others of the same group or category;
Interested in one particular artist
A man who wishes to make a particular woman fall in love with him
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
Anything having peculiar adaption to the purpose to which it is applied.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Surpassing what is common or usual or expected;
He paid especial attention to her
Exceptional kindness
A matter of particular and unusual importance
A special occasion
A special reason to confide in her
What's so special about the year 2000?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
A fact about some part (as opposed to general);
He always reasons from the particular to the general
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
First and most important;
His special interest is music
She gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
A medicine that has a mitigating effect on a specific disease;
Quinine is a specific for malaria
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Exacting especially about details;
A finicky eater
Fussy about clothes
Very particular about how her food was prepared
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Specific
(sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique;
Rules with specific application
Demands specific to the job
A specific and detailed account of the accident
Nonspecific enteritis
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Providing specific details or circumstances;
A particular description of the room
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Emphasizing one distinct element among others.
He has a particular interest in medieval art.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Specific
Relating to or distinguishing or constituting a taxonomic species;
Specific characters
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Unique or specific to something.
This particular painting is her favorite.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Specific
Being or affecting a disease produced by a particular microorganism or condition; used also of stains or dyes used in making microscope slides;
Quinine is highly specific for malaria
A specific remedy
A specific stain is one having a specific affinity for particular structural elements
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Particular
Excessively concerned with details.
He is particular about his appearance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Specific
Pertaining to a distinct aspect without ambiguity.
The instructions were very specific.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Specific
Accurate and detailed in description or requirement.
He gave specific instructions for the project.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "specific" similar to "exact"?
Yes, "specific" implies exactness and clear definition.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can "particular" suggest fussiness?
Yes, it can imply an excessive concern for details.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is "specific" used for clarity?
Yes, it's often used to provide clarity and exactness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Does "particular" mean the same as "specific"?
While similar, "particular" often implies selectivity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Why use "specific" in technical contexts?
For its emphasis on precision and exactitude.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
What does "particular" imply in a statement?
It implies a focus on one distinct or unique aspect.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Does "specific" always mean precise?
Generally, it denotes precision and clear identification.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can "particular" have a negative connotation?
Sometimes, if it suggests being overly fussy about details.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
How is "particular" used in everyday language?
To refer to a specific point or detail with emphasis.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Are "specific" and "particular" interchangeable?
Not always, as "specific" is more about precision.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can "particular" imply a broader context?
Yes, it can suggest a broader range than "specific".
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is "particular" used in formal writing?
Yes, particularly to emphasize a point or detail.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is "specific" objective?
Typically, as it refers to clear, defined aspects.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
How does "particular" relate to preferences?
It often indicates a specific preference or taste.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can "particular" be subjective?
Yes, it can be based on personal preference.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Does "specific" enhance clarity in instructions?
Absolutely, it helps in providing clear guidelines.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
How is "specific" valuable in communication?
It ensures clarity and understanding.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can "particular" refer to a unique case?
Yes, it can denote something unique or special.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
In what context is "specific" preferred?
In contexts requiring clear, unambiguous information.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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