Certain
Certain adjective - Known but not named.
Usage example: a certain person told me that today is your birthday
Specific is a synonym for certain in particular topic. In some cases you can use "Specific" instead an adjective "Certain", when it comes to topics like quantity, referring to a specifically known amount.
Specific
Specific adjective - So clearly expressed as to leave no doubt about the meaning.
Usage example: specific instructions regarding the interrogation of prisoners
Certain is a synonym for specific in particular topic. You can use "Certain" instead an adjective "Specific".
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
Both words in one sentence
- Some of these questions are specific to a certain difficulty or a certain cup, making this the closest thing to beating every cup with every character on every difficulty like in X.
Source: 100% Completion -
Metroidvania: Unlike most RPGs, some collectibles require a specific ability from a certain part (like turning tiny, or breaking rocks with the Nagasaki).
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It typically requires either releasing the ball with a particular strength so the ball goes into a certain region, or shooting a specific target, ramp or loop immediately after the ball is launched.
Source: Skill Shot
Cite this Source
Specific and Certain. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/certain/specific
Certain & Specific. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/certain/specific>.
Specific or Certain. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/certain/specific.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "certain" and "specific" have occurred on timeline