ə̇ˈspeshəl, eˈ- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin specialis, from species + -alis -al — more at spy
: special:
a. : not general : directed toward a specific end : designed or intended for a part, purpose, or occasion
gave especial greetings to his family
an especial ceremony for the holiday
took especial pains to make himself clear to the young readers
b. : of special note : exceptional , unusual , notable
gave especial attention to the reactions
c. : particular , peculiar
he had an especial aversion to reform — New Republic
several excellent regional orchestras, each with its own especial character — T.O.Beachcroft
personal experience with hospital buildings, where I was able to discover that especial physical and psychological reactions by patients provided good pointers for ordinary housing — Current Biography
the special temptation of our especial way of life — American Guide Series: Vermont
d. : close , dear , intimate
he was supposed to be her especial friend — Bruce Marshall
his own and most especial tree shading his borders — C.G.Glover
e. : capable of being specified : specific
he drove with no especial destination in mind
chose especial targets for attack
is there any especial piece of furniture that you might care to have — Agatha Christie
Synonyms: see special
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- in especial