The phrase "in specie" is often used in legal contexts to indicate that a payment or transfer is made in the specific assets or goods referenced, rather than in cash. Its spelling can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as "ɪn ˈspiːsi", with the first syllable pronounced as in "pin" and the second as in "speak", and the final syllable also sounding like "see", but with the "s" sound elongated. Accurate spelling and pronunciation of legal terms is important for clear and effective communication.
The term "in specie" is derived from Latin and is predominantly used in the legal and financial context. It refers to a specific mode of transferring ownership or assets without the need for converting them into cash. "In specie" transactions involve transferring goods, assets, or property in the form or identity in which they exist rather than converting them to another form for the transfer to take place.
In a legal context, "in specie" is often used to describe the transfer of property between parties where the ownership of the property remains intact, but it is moved from one party to another. This can occur through gifting, inheritance, or settlements. For example, if an individual is bequeathed a specific artwork "in specie," it means that they will receive the artwork in its current form, whether it be a painting or sculpture.
In the financial sector, "in specie" can refer to the transfer of assets or investments from one entity to another. It is frequently employed in the context of retirement planning or investment funds. For instance, when an individual switches their retirement savings from one fund to another "in specie," it means that the investments in their portfolio are directly transferred, ensuring there is no need to liquidate the holdings and repurchase them in the new fund.
Overall, "in specie" signifies asset or property transfers that occur in their existing state, without undergoing conversion or liquidation into cash.
The term "in specie" is derived from Latin. "In" means "in" or "into" and "specie" means "form" or "kind". When used together, "in specie" literally translates to "in the form" or "in the kind" in English.