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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

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>.

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