special

¹spe·cial

adj \ˈspe-shəl\

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

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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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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>.