First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1special
adjective spe·cial \ˈspe-shəl\
: different from what is normal or usual; especially : unusual in a good way : better or more important than others
: especially important or loved
: more than is usual
Full 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
4
: being other than the usual : additional, extra
5
: designed for a particular purpose or occasion
— spe·cial·ness noun
See special defined for English-language learners
See special defined for kids
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Origin of SPECIAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French especial, from Latin specialis individual, particular, from species species
Related to SPECIAL
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>.
2special
noun
: a television or radio program that is not part of a regular series
: a meal that is not on a restaurant's usual menu
Full Definition of SPECIAL
1
: one that is used for a special service or occasion <caught the commuter special to work>
2
: something (as a television program) that is not part of a regular series
3
: a featured dish at a restaurant <the specials of the day>
See special defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SPECIAL
1866
SPECIAL Defined for Kids
special
adjective spe·cial \ˈspe-shəl\
Definition of SPECIAL for Kids
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>
— spe·cial·ly adverb
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