specialize
gb/spˈɛʃəlˌaɪz/ us/spˈɛʃəlˌaɪz/
B1
English
~ 3200
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Concentrate on one area
To spend most of your time doing or studying one special kind of work or subject.
Usage pattern:
to specialize in [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'specialize' with 'specify'; 'specify' means to state something clearly, not to become an expert in it.
Synonyms
focus (More general; does not necessarily imply expertise.)
|
concentrate (Emphasizes giving attention, but not necessarily professional expertise.)
Antonyms
generalize (To deal with many subjects or areas rather than focusing on one.)
Collocations
specialize in medicine
|specialize in law
|specialize in marketing
|company specializes in
|specialize in teaching
Themes
work
|education
|skills
Examples
- She decided to specialize in criminal law after graduating.
- Our company specializes in eco-friendly packaging.
- He specializes in 19th-century French literature.
- The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes.
- They specialize in helping small businesses grow.
Learner examples
- I want to specialize in computer science.
- This shop specializes in old books.
- My father specializes in building houses.
- We specialize in making cakes.
- She will specialize in English next year.
Verb
technical
B2
action
2
Adapt for specific role
To change or develop so that you can do one special job or work best in one situation.
Synonyms
differentiate (In biology, refers specifically to cells developing specialized functions.)
Antonyms
generalize (In biology, to retain a broad range of functions instead of adapting to one.)
Collocations
cells specialize
|organs specialize
|functions specialize
Themes
science
|biology
|technology
Examples
- Over time, the cells specialize to form muscle tissue.
- These tools have specialized to handle delicate tasks.
- Some species specialize to survive in extreme climates.
Learner examples
- The cells specialize to do different jobs.
- Birds specialize to live in certain places.
- Tools can specialize for one use.
Grammar
Dictionary form
specialize
IPA
GB/spˈɛʃəlˌaɪz/
US/spˈɛʃəlˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
spe - cial - ize (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (spe)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: specialize
- 3rd Person Singular: specializes
- Present Participle: specializing
- Past: specialized
Word family
Forms
specializes
verb
specializing
verb
specialized
verb
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unspecialized
adjective
nonspecialist
noun
Advanced or less common
specialism
noun
Expressions
specialize in
1/spˈɛʃəlˌaɪz ˈɪn/
fixed phrase
Focus on a specific area
To work on or study only one kind of thing or subject.
Examples
- I specialize in modern European history.
- They specialize in Italian cuisine.
- She specializes in software development.