particular
puh-TIHK-yuu-luh
Particular (adj) means Specific; referring to one particular thing rather than things in general. Example: “She had a particular song in mind for the first dance.”
adj
1
Specific; referring to one particular thing rather than things in general.
"She had a particular song in mind for the first dance."
"There's no particular reason for the delay."
"I'm looking for one particular book, not just any novel about gardening."
2
Especially notable or great.
"He took particular care with the final chapter."
"The chef paid particular attention to the seasoning of the sauce."
"This road is of particular interest to local walkers because of the views."
3
Fussy or hard to please, wanting things done exactly a certain way.
"She's very particular about how her coffee is made."
"My grandfather is very particular about the way his shirts are folded."
"Our cat is particular and will only eat from a clean bowl."
How to use particular
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSpecific, or (about a person) fussy and hard to please about details.
Common pairings
in particular
a particular kind of
particular about
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Word forms
- Plural
- particulars
- Comparative
- more particular
- Superlative
- most particular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She had a _____ song in mind for the first dance.
Etymology
From Late Latin particularis, "partial, individual," from particula, "small part."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for particular
See all rhymes for particular →Frequently asked questions
What does “particular” mean?
The word “particular” means specific; referring to one particular thing rather than things in general. In plain terms, specific, or (about a person) fussy and hard to please about details.
How do you pronounce “particular”?
“Particular” is pronounced puh-TIHK-yuu-luh (/pɑrˈtɪk.jə.lɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “particular” in a sentence?
Here is “particular” used in a sentence: “She had a particular song in mind for the first dance.”
What part of speech is “particular”?
“Particular” is an adjective.
Where does the word “particular” come from?
The word “particular” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin particularis, "partial, individual," from particula, "small part.".
Is “particular” a common word?
“Particular” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “particular” have?
“Particular” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: specific; referring to one particular thing rather than things in general.
What is the difference between particular and specific?
Particular and specific overlap closely, both pointing to one definite thing rather than a general one. Specific stresses precise detail and clear definition, while particular often singles something out from a group for special attention. You might discuss a specific date, or a particular person you have in mind — both narrow the focus.
What is the opposite of particular?
In this sense, the opposite of particular is general — referring to things broadly rather than singling one out. If a particular case applies to just one situation, a general rule applies to many. Words like universal, overall, and non-specific also capture the broader idea that particular narrows down.
What is an example of particular used in a sentence?
You might say, 'Is there a particular book you're looking for?' — meaning one specific book rather than any book at all. Similarly, 'He has a particular way of doing things' points to his own distinct method. In each case, particular marks something out as specific and individual.
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