Main Entry:

¹spe·cial

Pronunciation:

\ˈspe-shəl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

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

Date:

13th century

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 : specific4: being other than the usual : additional, extra5: designed for a particular purpose or occasion

— spe·cial·ness noun

synonyms 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>.