particularize

English

Alternative forms

• particularise

Etymology

From particular +‎ -ize.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /pəˈtɪkjʊləɹʌɪz/

Verb

particularize (third-person singular simple present particularizes, present participle particularizing, simple past and past participle particularized)

1. (transitive) To make particular, as opposed to general; to restrict to a specific or individual case, class etc.; to single out.
2. (transitive, intransitive) To be specific about (individual instances); to go into detail (about), to specify.
   • 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, I.iii.2.1:

     I have disposed of them as I could, and will descend to particularize them according to their species.

   • 1992, Hilary Mantel, A Place of Greater Safety, Harper Perennial 2007, p. 110:

     Now it is his daily work to particularize, item by item, the iniquities of the system, and the petty manifestations of the tyranny here in Arras.

3. (intransitive) To differentiate, make distinct from others.