specialize

/ˌspɛʃəˈlaɪz/

/ˈspɛʃəlaɪz/

Other forms: specialized; specializes; specializing

To specialize is to narrow down your focus, in your studies or profession, to a specific field. If you love playing the accordion, perhaps you should specialize in polka music.

If there’s a subject you think is special, specialize in it! For example, doctors start to specialize in medical school, when they study something specific such as podiatry (feet) or cardiology (hearts). Other professionals also specialize in smaller parts of larger fields, like lawyers who specialize in corporate law, or writers who specialize in TV comedies.

Definitions of specialize

1. verb

   become more focused on an area of activity or field of study
   “She specializes in Near Eastern history”

   synonyms: narrow, narrow down, specialise

   antonyms:

   diversify

   vary in order to spread risk or to expand

   types:

   overspecialise, overspecialize

   become overly specialized

   type of:

   alter, change, vary

   become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence
2. verb

   evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment
   synonyms: differentiate, specialise, speciate

   type of:

   evolve

   undergo development or evolution
3. verb

   suit to a special purpose
   “specialize one's research”

   “this kind of beak has become specialized in certain Galapagos finches”

   synonyms: specialise

   type of:

   modify

   make less severe or harsh or extreme
4. verb

   devote oneself to a special area of work
   “She specializes in honey bees”

   “This baker specializes in French bread”

   synonyms: specialise

   type of:

   work

   exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
5. verb

   be specific about
   synonyms: particularise, particularize, specialise, specify

   types:

   spell out

   make explicit; specify in detail

   type of:

   dilate, elaborate, enlarge, expand, expatiate, exposit, expound, flesh out

   add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing