Specialty vs. Specialism: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
Specialty refers to a specific area of expertise or focus within a broader field, often used in contexts like medicine or cuisine, while specialism is the practice or pursuit of specializing in a particular area, often used in academic settings.
Key Differences
Specialty is a term that denotes a specific area of expertise, skill, or focus within a broader field. It is commonly used in professions such as medicine, where a doctor might have a specialty in cardiology or pediatrics, or in culinary arts, where a chef might have a specialty in pastries or Italian cuisine. Specialism, on the other hand, refers to the practice or process of specializing in a particular field. It highlights the action of focusing on a specific area of study or professional practice. Specialism is often used in academic or professional contexts to describe the pursuit of expertise in a narrow field, such as a researcher’s specialism in quantum physics or a lawyer’s specialism in intellectual property law.
While both terms are related to focusing on a specific area, specialty describes the area of focus itself, whereas specialism refers to the act of specializing or the condition of being specialized.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A specific area of expertise or focus
The practice of specializing in a specific area
Usage Context
Professions, industries, skills
Academic, professional pursuits
Emphasis
The area of expertise itself
The act or condition of specializing
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Common Examples
Medical specialty, culinary specialty
Academic specialism, professional specialism
Example Sentence
"Her specialty is pediatric medicine."
"His specialism is in environmental law."
Specialty and Specialism Definitions
Specialty
A particular type of product or service that a person or company is known for.
The restaurant's specialty is seafood dishes.
Specialism
The practice or process of focusing on a particular area of study or profession.
Her specialism in marine biology has led to significant research contributions.
Specialty
A field of study or professional practice in which one has extensive knowledge.
He decided to pursue a specialty in neurology.
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Specialism
The condition of being specialized in a specific field.
The lawyer’s specialism in corporate law makes her highly sought after.
Specialty
A specific area of expertise or skill within a broader field.
Her specialty is pediatric medicine, focusing on the health of children.
Specialism
An area of professional or academic concentration.
Specialism in genetic research is crucial for advancements in medical science.
Specialty
An item or activity that one is particularly good at.
Chocolate desserts are her specialty in baking.
Specialism
A narrow focus within a broader academic or professional field.
Specialism in astrophysics requires extensive study and research.
Specialty
An area where someone has developed significant expertise.
His specialty within engineering is renewable energy systems.
Specialism
The pursuit of expertise in a particular subject area.
His specialism in medieval literature has earned him recognition in academic circles.
Specialty
A special pursuit, occupation, aptitude, or skill
The professor's specialty was the study of ancient languages.
Specialism
Concentration of one's efforts in a given occupation or field of study.
Specialty
A branch of medicine or surgery, such as cardiology or neurosurgery, in which a physician specializes; the field or practice of a specialist.
Specialism
A field of specialization.
Specialty
An item or product of a distinctive kind or of particular superiority
French pastry is the chef's specialty.
Specialism
(countable) Speciality.
Specialty
(Law) A contract or agreement that creates a greater obligation than an ordinary contract or agreement because it is executed under seal.
Specialism
(uncountable) The concentration of one's efforts upon a particular field of study.
Specialty
That in which one specializes; a chosen expertise or talent.
They cook well overall, but their true specialty is pasta.
Specialism
Devotion to a particular and restricted part or branch of knowledge, art, or science; as, medical specialism.
Specialty
A product that originates in and is characteristic of a place.
Specialism
The concentration of your efforts on a particular field of study or occupation
Specialty
(obsolete) Particularity.
Specialism
The special line of work you have adopted as your career;
His specialization is gastroenterology
Specialty
A particular or peculiar case.
Specialty
An attribute or quality peculiar to a species.
Specialty
(legal) A contract or obligation under seal; a contract by deed; a writing, under seal, given as security for a debt particularly specified.
Specialty
Particularity.
Specialty of rule hath been neglected.
Specialty
A particular or peculiar case.
Specialty
A contract or obligation under seal; a contract by deed; a writing, under seal, given as security for a debt particularly specified.
Let specialties be therefore drawn between us.
Specialty
That for which a person is distinguished, in which he is specially versed, or which he makes an object of special attention; a speciality.
Men of boundless knowledge, like Humbold, must have had once their specialty, their pet subject.
Specialty
An asset of special worth or utility;
Cooking is his forte
Specialty
A distinguishing trait
Specialty
The special line of work you have adopted as your career;
His specialization is gastroenterology
FAQs
Can specialty and specialism be used interchangeably?
Not exactly. Specialty refers to the specific area of expertise, while specialism refers to the act or condition of specializing.
Can you give an example of a specialism in academia?
Yes, a specialism in quantum mechanics is an academic focus within physics.
Is specialism more about the area or the practice?
Specialism is more about the practice or process of specializing.
Can someone pursue multiple specialisms?
Yes, one can focus on multiple areas of specialization, but it is typically more demanding.
Which term is more likely to be used in a job description?
Specialty is more likely to be used in a job description to specify required expertise.
What is a specialty?
A specialty is a specific area of expertise or focus within a broader field.
In what contexts is specialty commonly used?
Specialty is commonly used in professional and industry contexts, such as medicine, law, and culinary arts.
Is specialty more about the area or the practice?
Specialty is more about the specific area of expertise or focus.
What is a specialism?
Specialism is the practice or pursuit of specializing in a particular area.
In what contexts is specialism commonly used?
Specialism is often used in academic and professional contexts, highlighting the focus on a specific field.
How does specialism relate to professional development?
Specialism relates to professional development by highlighting the ongoing process of acquiring expertise in a particular field.
Can specialty be used in a non-professional context?
Yes, specialty can be used to describe personal skills or hobbies, such as "Her specialty is baking."
How does specialty relate to industry practices?
Specialty relates to industry practices by denoting specific areas where professionals have developed significant skills and knowledge.
Is a specialty always formally recognized?
Not always; a specialty can be formally recognized through certifications or degrees, but it can also be an informal recognition of expertise.
Is specialism often formalized through education?
Yes, specialism is often formalized through focused education and training in a specific area.
Can you give an example of a specialty in medicine?
Yes, cardiology is a specialty within the field of medicine.
Which term is more likely to be used in academic research?
Specialism is more likely to be used in academic research to describe a focus area.
Can specialism apply to non-academic fields?
Yes, specialism can apply to any field where a narrow focus and expertise are pursued.
Can someone have multiple specialties?
Yes, a professional can have expertise in multiple areas, thus having multiple specialties.
How do specialty and specialism enhance professional identity?
Specialty enhances professional identity by defining specific areas of expertise, while specialism highlights the commitment to deepening knowledge in a focused area.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
