special

¹spe·cial

adjective \ˈspe-shəl\

: different from what is normal or usual; especially : unusual in a good way : better or more important than others

: especially important or loved

: more than is usual

Full Definition of SPECIAL

1

:  distinguished by some unusual quality; especially :  being in some way superior <our special blend>

2

:  held in particular esteem <a special friend>

3

a :  readily distinguishable from others of the same category :  unique <they set it apart as a special day of thanksgiving>

b :  of, relating to, or constituting a species :  specific

4

:  being other than the usual :  additional, extra

5

:  designed for a particular purpose or occasion

— spe·cial·ness noun

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Examples of SPECIAL

1. This is a special case and I want you to handle it personally.
2. Only under special circumstances will you be allowed to retake the test.
3. Your many years of service put you in a special category.
4. Why should you receive any special treatment?
5. It takes a special quality to do what he did.
6. This is a very special occasion.
7. Are you doing anything special over the holidays?
8. We have a special guest tonight—the mayor.
9. No one is more special to me than my wife.
10. He always made her feel special.

Origin of SPECIAL

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French especial, from Latin specialis individual, particular, from species species

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to SPECIAL

Synonyms

alone, lone, one, one-off, singular, sole, solitary, only, sui generis, unique

Antonyms

unbeloved

Related Words

single, solo, unaccompanied, unattended; incomparable, inimitable, matchless, peerless, unequaled (or unequalled), unmatched, unparalleled, unrivaled (or unrivalled), unsurpassable, unsurpassed; distinct, distinctive, individual, separate; nonce

Near Antonyms

divers, manifold, multifarious, myriad; assorted, heterogenous, miscellaneous, mixed, motley, patchwork, promiscuous, varied; popular, prevailing, prevalent, rampant; perennial, recurrent, repeated

Synonym Discussion of SPECIAL

special, especial, specific, particular, individual mean of or relating to one thing or class. special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own <special ingredients>. especial may add implications of preeminence or preference <a matter of especial importance>. specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species <children with specific nutritional needs>. particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual <a ballet step of particular difficulty>. individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group <valued each individual opinion>.

²special

noun

: a television or radio program that is not part of a regular series

: a meal that is not on a restaurant's usual menu

Full Definition of SPECIAL

1

:  one that is used for a special service or occasion <caught the commuter special to work>

2

:  something (as a television program) that is not part of a regular series

3

:  a featured dish at a restaurant <the specials of the day>

Examples of SPECIAL

1. a one-hour special on whales
2. Today's lunch special is chili.
3. The specials are on the board.
4. They were having a special on paper towels so I stocked up.

First Known Use of SPECIAL

1866

Other Broadcasting Terms

continuity, dissolve, fade, feed, remote, residual, spike, wipe