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 notesIn 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 ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
nothing in particular
in particular, however
one case in particular
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I enjoyed the whole album, the last track _____.
Etymology
Related to French en particulier; compare also Spanish en particular and Italian in particolare.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
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.
