particularize
UK[pəˈtɪkjʊləraɪz]US[pərˈtɪkjələˌraɪz]
v
To give specific details or examples about something; to describe or treat something in a detailed and individual way.
v
To make a general statement or rule apply to a specific case or instance.
Morpheme Breakdown
particular
ize
particular
specific
ize
Etymology
The word "particularize" is built upon the adjective "particular," which entered English from Old French particuler, itself derived from Latin particularis (pertaining to a particula or small part). The Latin particula is a diminutive of pars (part), tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root pere- (to grant, allot). The suffix -ize, of Greek origin, is a prolific English verb-maker meaning "to render or make so." Therefore, the literal construction "to make particular" elegantly captures the modern meaning: the act of moving from the general to the specific, of detailing or specifying individual instances from a broader category.
Analysis
Structure: particular + ize
particular: From Latin particularis (concerning a small part), from particula (small part, particle). Functions as the base adjective meaning "specific" or "individual".
ize: A verb-forming suffix from Greek -izein via Latin -izare. It means "to make, to become, to practice".
Examples
The report failed to particularize the main causes of the system failure.
Could you particularize your criticisms with concrete examples?
The law is broad, so the judge must particularize its application to this unique case.