SPECIAL Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

special

[spesh-uhl]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of a distinct or particular kind or character.
a special kind of key.
Antonyms:
being a particular one; particular, individual, or certain.
You'd better call the special number.
pertaining or peculiar to a particular person, thing, instance, etc.; distinctive; unique.
the special features of a plan.
having a specific or particular function, purpose, etc..
a special messenger.
distinguished or different from what is ordinary or usual: to fix something special.
a special occasion;
to fix something special.
Synonyms:
extraordinary; exceptional, as in amount or degree; especial.
special importance.
being such in an exceptional degree; particularly valued.
a special friend.
Sometimes Offensive.��pertaining to people with singular needs or disabilities, or to their education.
disabled students with special needs;
state funding for special schools.

noun

a special person or thing.
a train used for a particular purpose, occasion, or the like.
a special edition of a newspaper.
Theater.��a spotlight reserved for a particular area, property, actor, etc..
Give me the coffin special.
a temporary, arbitrary reduction in the price of regularly stocked goods, especially food; a particularly worthwhile offer or price.
The special this week is on sirloin steaks.
Television.��a single program not forming part of a regular series.

special

/ ˈ��ɛʃə�� /

adjective

distinguished, set apart from, or excelling others of its kind
(prenominal) designed or reserved for a particular purpose
a special tool for working leather
not usual or commonplace
(prenominal) particular or primary
his special interest was music
denoting or relating to the education of physically or mentally handicapped children
a special school

noun

a special person or thing, such as an extra edition of a newspaper or a train reserved for a particular purpose
a dish or meal given prominence, esp at a low price, in a café, etc
slang��history a convict given special treatment on account of his education, social class, etc
short for special constable
informal��an item in a store that is advertised at a reduced price; a loss leader

verb

informal��to advertise and sell (an item) at a reduced price
we are specialling butter this week

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Usage

In American English the adjective special is overwhelmingly more common than especial in all senses: He will be of special help if you can't understand the documentation. The reverse is true of the adverbs; here especially is by far the more common: He will be of great help, especially if you have trouble understanding the documentation. Only when the sense “specifically” is intended is specially more idiomatic: The machine was specially designed for use by a left-handed operator.

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Sensitive Note

In the 20th century, special was used freely as a modifier describing services or accessibility resources for people with disabilities or disabled people's functional needs, and sometimes as a euphemism for disabled to label the people themselves. Most euphemistic language for disabilities and people with disabilities is no longer preferred, and special used in this way may be considered offensive, especially when used to describe a person. The phrase special needs is somewhat more accepted, but is less common than it used to be. Instead, when possible, make reference to the specific disability in question. However, the fixed expression special education is still an official designation in public education and continues to be used, even by speakers who otherwise avoid special and its compounds.

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

specially adverb
interspecial adjective
nonspecial adjective
superspecial adjective
ˈ��𳦾�� adverb
ˈ��𳦾��Ա�� noun

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of special¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English (adjective), from Latin ��𳦾�� “of a given species,” equivalent to ��𳦾�(ŧ��) “form, kind, sort” + -�� adjective suffix; species, -al ¹, especial

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of special¹

C13: from Old French especial, from Latin ��𳦾�� individual, special, from ��𳦾�ŧ�� appearance, _species

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Synonym Study

Special, particular, specific refer to something pointed out for attention and consideration. Special means given unusual treatment because of being uncommon: a special sense of a word. Particular implies something selected from the others of its kind and set off from them for attention: a particular variety of orchid. Specific implies plain and unambiguous indication of a particular instance, example, etc.: a specific instance of cowardice.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“A special outing offers an opportunity to create new memories and celebrate together, while a personal care item allows dad to feel pampered.”

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Maria's two daughters often sit courtside to watch her matches, with the German saying their presence makes her victory even more special.

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While it’s true that immigrant crime victims qualify for special benefits in some instances, the promise to get Gutierrez Saragon citizenship within three months at a discount dragged on for more than a decade.

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Iran could strike US targets across the Middle East – such as special forces camps in Iraq, military bases in the Gulf, and diplomatic missions in the region.

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Note: The figures do not include special tariffs, such as those for heat pumps or selling renewable energy back to the grid.

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Related 51�Թ�s

appropriate��
certain��
different��
exceptional��
exclusive��
extraordinary��
individual��
limited��
main��
major��
memorable��
particular��
peculiar��
personal��
primary��
proper��
rare��
significant��
specialized��
specific��

speccy special act

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