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adverb

in particular

in puh-TIK-yuu-luhr

In particular (adverb) means Especially; used to single out one thing from a wider group. Example: “I enjoyed the whole album, the last track in particular.”

adverb
1
Especially; used to single out one thing from a wider group.
"I enjoyed the whole album, the last track in particular."
"She was interested in languages, and in particular in how children learn them."
2
Used after a negative or a vague statement to mean anything or anyone specific.
""What are you looking for?" "Nothing in particular.""
"He wasn't talking to anyone in particular."

How to use in particular

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed to point out one thing out of several as the important one.

When to use it

Neutral in all contexts.

Memory tip

Pair it with in general to structure an argument: in general the policy works; this clause in particular does not.

Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
nothing in particular in particular, however one case in particular
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Test yourself on “in particular” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

I enjoyed the whole album, the last track _____.

Etymology

Related to French en particulier. Compare Spanish en particular and Italian in particolare.

Related words

Rhymes for in particular

See all rhymes for in particular →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between in particular and particularly?

They mean the same thing, but particularly usually goes before the word it emphasises (particularly the last track) while in particular follows it (the last track in particular). In particular can also open a sentence to introduce an example.

What does nothing in particular mean?

It means nothing specific, and is a polite way of saying you have no definite answer or would rather not say. It works the same way in no one in particular and nowhere in particular.

Is in particular formal?

It is neutral and works in essays, reports and conversation alike. It is a useful signposting phrase for narrowing from a general statement to a specific case.

What is the meaning of in particular?

"in particular" (adverb) means especially; used to single out one thing from a wider group.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from Wiktionary