I. ˈspe-shəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French especial, from Latin specialis individual, particular, from species species
Date: 13th century
1. : distinguished by some unusual quality ; especially : being in some way superior
our special blend
2. : held in particular esteem
a special friend
3.
a. : readily distinguishable from others of the same category : unique
they set it apart as a special day of thanksgiving
b. : of, relating to, or constituting a species : specific
4. : being other than the usual : additional , extra
5. : designed for a particular purpose or occasion
• spe·cial·ness noun
Synonyms:
special , especial , specific , particular , individual mean of or relating to one thing or class. special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own
special ingredients
especial may add implications of preeminence or preference
a matter of especial importance
specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species
children with specific nutritional needs
particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual
a ballet step of particular difficulty
individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group
valued each individual opinion
II. noun
Date: 1866
1. : one that is used for a special service or occasion
caught the commuter special to work
2. : something (as a television program) that is not part of a regular series
3. : a featured dish at a restaurant
the special s of the day