special
Special (adj) means Different from what is usual or ordinary in a valued way. Example: “She saved her favorite dress for a special occasion.”
How to use special
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStanding out from the ordinary — either because something matters more, costs less for a limited time, or is a one-time broadcast.
Word forms
more special comparative, specialer comparative, specialed past tense, specialled past tense, specials plural, specials singular, most special superlative, specialest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She saved her favorite dress for a _____ occasion.
Etymology
From Latin specialis, "individual, particular," from species, "kind" — the same root behind "species" and "specific."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for special
See all rhymes for special →Frequently asked questions
What does “special” mean?
The word “special” means different from what is usual or ordinary in a valued way. In plain terms, standing out from the ordinary — either because something matters more, costs less for a limited time, or is a one-time broadcast.
How do you pronounce “special”?
“Special” is pronounced SPEHSH-uhl (/ˈspɛʃ.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “special” in a sentence?
Here is “special” used in a sentence: “She saved her favorite dress for a special occasion.”
What is the opposite of “special”?
The opposite of “special” — its antonyms — are common, common-or-garden, everyday, general and nonspecial.
What part of speech is “special”?
Depending on how it is used, “special” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “special” come from?
The word “special” comes from Latin. From Latin specialis, "individual, particular," from species, "kind" — the same root behind "species" and "specific.".
Is “special” a common word?
“Special” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “special” have?
“Special” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: different from what is usual or ordinary in a valued way.
What is the difference between special and unique?
'Special' means better than or different from the ordinary in a way that is valued. 'Unique' means one of a kind — the only one of its type, with nothing else quite like it. Something special can still have equals; something truly unique cannot. Many things are special, but few are genuinely unique.
Is 'special' a positive word?
Usually, yes. 'Special' most often praises something as valued, important, or better than ordinary — a special occasion or a special gift. It can turn ironic or negative in tone, as in a dismissive 'well, aren't you special,' but on its own the word carries a warm, positive meaning.
What is the opposite of special?
The opposites of 'special' include 'ordinary,' 'common,' 'usual,' and 'average' — words for what is unremarkable and expected. If a special day stands out from the rest, an ordinary day blends in with them. 'Plain' and 'everyday' work as opposites too, depending on the context.
What is an example of something special?
A birthday, a wedding, or a graduation is a special occasion. A handwritten letter can be a special gift, and a close friend can be a special person in your life. Anything valued for standing apart from the everyday — by meaning, rarity, or feeling — can be called special.
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