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
3a : readily distinguishable from others of the same category : unique they set it apart as a special day of thanksgivingb : of, relating to, or constituting a species : specific
4 : being other than the usual : additional, extra
5 : designed for a particular purpose or occasion
specialness
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of special in a Sentence
This is a special case and I want you to handle it personally.
Only under special circumstances will you be allowed to retake the test.
Your many years of service put you in a special category.
Why should you receive any special treatment?
It takes a special quality to do what he did.
This is a very special occasion.
Are you doing anything special over the holidays?
We have a special guest tonight—the mayor.
No one is more special to me than my wife.
He always made her feel special.
Origin and Etymology of special
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French especial, from Latin specialis individual, particular, from species species
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of special
special
Definition of special
1 : one that is used for a special service or occasion caught the commuter special to work
2 : something (such 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 in a Sentence
a one-hour special on whales
Today's lunch special is chili.
The specials are on the board.
They were having a special on paper towels so I stocked up.
1822
First Known Use of special
1822
SPECIAL Defined for English Language Learners
special
playDefinition of special for English Language Learners
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: different from what is normal or usual; especially : unusual in a good way : better or more important than others
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: especially important or loved
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: more than is usual
special
Definition of special for English Language Learners
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: a television or radio program that is not part of a regular series
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: a meal that is not on a restaurant's usual menu
SPECIAL Defined for Kids
special
playDefinition of special for Students
1 : unusual and better in some way : extraordinary a special occasion To an outsider, it wouldn't sound all that special. But to the ears of a Pickwell kid, it was magic. — Jerry Spinelli, Maniac Magee
2 : liked very well a special friend
3 : different from others : unique a special case
4 : 1extra a special edition
5 : meant for a particular purpose or occasion a special diet
specially
adverbLaw Dictionary
special
Legal Definition of special
1 : distinguished by some unusual quality
2 : relating to a single thing or class of things : having an individual character or trait owed them a special duty not owed to the public at large
3a : supplemental to the regular b : assigned or provided to meet a need not covered under established procedures
4 : designed or selected for a particular purpose, occasion, or other end family courts are courts of limited and special jurisdiction — Cleveland v. Cleveland, 559 P.2d 744 (1977)
5 : containing particulars and details a special pleading
specially
adverbLearn More about special
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for special Spanish Central: Translation of special Nglish: Translation of special for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of special for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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