I. spe ‧ cial 1 S1 W1 /ˈspeʃ ə l/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ special , ↑ specialist , SPECIALITY/SPECIALTY , ↑ specialization , ↑ specialism ; adjective : ↑ special , ↑ specialized ; verb : ↑ specialize ; adverb : ↑ specially ]
[ Date: 1100-1200 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: especial , from Latin specialis 'particular' , from species ; ⇨ ↑ species ]
1 . not ordinary or usual, but different in some way and often better or more important:
a special place in the classroom for reading
No one receives special treatment.
Maria’s special recipe for apple pie
The good china was used only on special occasions.
Each village has its own special charm.
anything/something/nothing special
Are you doing anything special for Christmas?
2 . particularly important to someone and deserving attention, love etc:
a party with a few special friends
a teacher who made every child feel special
Her second son had a special place in her heart.
3 . [only before noun] a special position or job has a particular purpose or aim, and continues only until that purpose or aim is achieved:
Mitchell acted as a special envoy in the Northern Ireland peace talks.
4 . [only before noun] more than usual SYN particular :
Pay special attention to how you clean the wound.
II. special 2 BrE AmE noun [countable usually singular]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ special , ↑ specialist , SPECIALITY/SPECIALTY , ↑ specialization , ↑ specialism ; adjective : ↑ special , ↑ specialized ; verb : ↑ specialize ; adverb : ↑ specially ]
1 . something that is not usual or ordinary, and is made or done for a special purpose:
a TV special on the election
2 . a lower price than usual for a particular product for a short period of time SYN special offer :
a lunch special for $4.99
be on special
Breyer’s ice cream is on special this week.