nonspecifying

Nonspecifying is an adjective used in linguistics and philosophy of language to describe utterances, expressions, or referential forms that do not specify a precise identity, instance, or attribute of the referred entity. The term emphasizes indeterminacy or generality rather than precision, and it can apply to reference, quantification, and time or place specification.

In semantics, nonspecifying elements include indefinite noun phrases such as "someone," "something," or universal forms like "any student." Such items convey existence without fixing who is involved or which instance is meant. They allow broad interpretation, contrasting with specifying expressions like proper names or definite descriptions.

In discourse, nonspecifying usage can indicate ignorance, generalization, or a preference for non-specific reference. For example, "If someone calls, tell them to wait" uses a nonspecific referent; the identity is irrelevant to the utterance's purpose. Nonspecifying can also occur in temporal or locational expressions that do not fix exact times or places.

The term is used mainly descriptively in discussions of reference and context. It is related to, but distinct from, nonspecific, indefinite, and generic expressions. In philosophy and logic, similar ideas appear under indeterminacy of reference or existential generality.