Specialized

easyNeutral tone

SPESH-uh-lyzd

adjective

Definition

Requiring or involving detailed and specific knowledge or training

Memory hook

SPECIAL-ized: focused on one SPECIAL area - a master of one trade rather than a jack of all.

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Word roots

specialisparticular(Latin)
specieskind, type(Latin)

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Examples

She received specialized training in cardiac surgery.
The job requires specialized knowledge of computer programming.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

She received ______ training in cardiac surgery.
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specialized

Synonyms

focusedexpertnicheconcentrated

Antonyms

versatilegeneralizedbroaddiversified

Categories

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GRE Tip

Specialized is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "focused" or "expert" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "versatile".

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