particular

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.

“Particular” is pronounced puh-TIHK-yuu-luh (/pɑrˈtɪk.jə.lɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “particular” used in a sentence: “She had a particular song in mind for the first dance.”

“Particular” is an adjective.

The word “particular” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin particularis, "partial, individual," from particula, "small part.".

“Particular” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Particular” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: specific; referring to one particular thing rather than things in general.

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.

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.

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.