verb
specialize
SPEH-shuh-lyz
verb
1
To focus one's study, work, or business on a particular area rather than a broad range.
"She decided to specialize in pediatric medicine."
"The bakery specializes in sourdough bread."
How to Use Specialize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo narrow your focus down to one particular skill, subject, or product.
UK vs US
British English also spells this "specialise."
Common pairings
specialize in
specialize early
Word Forms
specialized past tense, specializes singular
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She decided to _____ in pediatric medicine.
Etymology
From "special" plus the verb-forming suffix -ize.