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special Definition

spe·cial (spes̸h′əl)

adjective

  1. of a kind different from others; distinctive, peculiar, or unique
  2. exceptional; extraordinary a special treat
  3. highly regarded or valued a special friend
  4. of or for a particular person, occasion, purpose, etc. by special permission, a special edition
  5. not general or regular; specific or limited special legislation

Etymology: ME < OFr especial < L specialis < species, kind, sort: see species

noun

  1. a special person or thing; specif., a special train, edition, sale offer or item, etc.
  2. ☆ a single TV program, not part of a regular series

special Synonyms

special

modif.

  1. Intended for a particular purpose

    specific, particular, appropriate, especial, peculiar, proper, individual, first, unique, personal, restricted, exclusive, defined, limited, reserved, specialized, determinate, distinct, select, choice, definite, marked, designated, earmarked.

    Antonyms general*, unrestricted*, indefinite. *

  2. Unusual

    distinctive, exceptional, extraordinary; see unusual 1.

special and especial both imply that the thing so described has qualities, aspects, or uses that differentiate it from others of its class, and the choice of word generally depends on euphony, but special is generally used to emphasize the fact of differentiation itself he requires a special diet or exceptional status or quality there is something special in her paintings; especial is usually preferred where preeminence is implied a matter of especial interest to you; specific and particular are both applied to something that is singled out for attention, but specific suggests the explicit statement of an example, illustration, etc. he cited specific cases, and particular emphasizes the distinctness or individuality of the thing so described in this particular case

special* Synonyms

special*

n.

dish, course, pièce de résistance (French); see breakfast, dinner, lunch, meal 2.

special Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

weekly: Weekly specials and sweets are displayed on the blackboards.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • make: Everything has gone so well and so I would like to thank everyone who has contributed toward making this day very special.
  • do: Thank you HMS Belfast for giving us the opportunity to do something special for our birthday, we can't wait to return " .
  • find: As you gradually wind down the tree-lined lane from Stavros your expectations of having found something very special begin to rise.
  • lose: I just lost someone really special to me because I upset them with my Aspie tendencies.

Modifies a noun

  • need: A one-stop center can also deal with special needs.
  • occasion: To mark the special occasion we were honored by the presence of Queen Victoria herself!
  • offer: For bookings in Florida, you can also see our special offers for van rentals with U Save Auto Rentals.
  • edition: The Evening Star in Ipswich put together a special late edition featuring coverage of England's first match against Paraguay.
  • interest: It will also offer the chance to carry out initial research in an area of special interest.
  • event: Special golf gourmet events in July & August 06.

Modifying Another Word

  • very: Got a very special girl in mind or trying to impress someone?
  • truly: So we've made it easy for you and provided a a list of accommodation providers that are truly special.
  • rather: In plain words, it's true in a rather special way that there was no Doom of the Darnaways.
  • pretty: Of course, you need to be pretty special.
  • so: She is so special in my life and hope we remain friends.
  • really: Let us help you make your day look really special.

Noun used with modifier

comedy: When Educating Archie was first adapted for television, as a comedy special called Here's Archie ( BBC, tx.

Used with adjective complement

  • feel: We need to inspire, generate team spirit and make all staff feel special.
  • look: Let us help you make your day look really special.