Dictionary monolingual
English
Special
ˈspɛʃəl
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Special -
Exceptional; better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual
Example: This cake is special because it's made with a secret family recipe.
Usage: informalContext: celebrations, personal preferences
Note: Often used to express admiration or uniqueness.
Designating something for a particular purpose or occasion
Example: We reserved a special table at the restaurant for our anniversary dinner.
Usage: formalContext: events, reservations
Note: Implies a sense of importance or exclusivity.
Belonging specifically to a particular person
Example: This is a special gift just for you.
Usage: informalContext: gift-giving, personal connections
Note: Indicates a personal touch or thoughtfulness.
Special's synonyms
unique
Unique means being the only one of its kind or unlike anything else. It emphasizes individuality and distinctiveness.
Example: Each snowflake is unique in its design.
Note: Special often implies being distinguished or exceptional, while unique emphasizes being one-of-a-kind.
exceptional
Exceptional means surpassing what is common or usual, outstanding in a particular quality or ability.
Example: Her exceptional talent in music earned her a scholarship.
Note: Special can be used in a broader sense, while exceptional focuses on standing out due to high quality or ability.
distinctive
Distinctive means having a quality or characteristic that makes something easily recognizable or different from others.
Example: The restaurant's distinctive decor sets it apart from others in the area.
Note: Special can refer to something unique or outstanding, whereas distinctive emphasizes being easily distinguishable.
particular
Particular means relating to a specific individual or thing, emphasizing a specific quality or aspect.
Example: He has a particular interest in ancient history.
Note: Special can imply being exceptional or extraordinary, while particular focuses on a specific aspect or quality.
Special expressions, common phrases
Special treatment
Receiving better or different treatment due to a particular status or relationship.
Example: She always gets special treatment from the boss because they are good friends.
Note: Special treatment implies preferential or different treatment compared to others.
Special occasion
An event or time that is out of the ordinary and significant.
Example: My birthday is a special occasion for my family, and we celebrate it every year.
Note: Special occasion refers to a noteworthy or remarkable event.
Special someone
A person who is important, cherished, or valued in one's life.
Example: She is a special someone in his life, and he cherishes every moment spent with her.
Note: Special someone denotes a person who holds a special place in one's heart.
Special delivery
A shipment or mail service that ensures quicker or prioritized delivery.
Example: The package was marked for special delivery, so it arrived within a day.
Note: Special delivery signifies a faster or prioritized mode of delivery.
Special offer
A promotion or discount that is available for a limited time or on specific products.
Example: The store had a special offer on electronics, so I bought a new laptop at a discounted price.
Note: Special offer denotes a discounted or exclusive deal on certain items.
Special effects
Visual or sound effects that are used to enhance the quality or impact of a film, show, or performance.
Example: The movie used special effects to create realistic and thrilling scenes.
Note: Special effects refer to visual or audio enhancements in entertainment media.
Special request
A specific or personalized demand or desire made to accommodate someone's needs or preferences.
Example: He made a special request for a window seat on the plane due to his fear of heights.
Note: Special request indicates a personalized or specific demand or favor.
Special edition
A version of a product that is unique, limited, or enhanced in some way.
Example: I bought the special edition of the book, which includes bonus content and illustrations.
Note: Special edition refers to a unique or limited version of a product.
Special everyday (slang) expressions
Specials
Refers to unique or limited-time offerings, often in relation to food or promotions.
Example: Let's check out the specials on the menu tonight.
Note: Original word 'special' denotes something distinctive or exceptional, while 'specials' specifically highlights temporary or featured items.
Special K
Colloquial term for Kellogg's Special K cereal.
Example: I'm going to grab a bowl of Special K for breakfast.
Note: While 'Special K' is a brand name, it has become synonymous with the product itself in casual conversation.
Specs
Short for 'specifications', referring to detailed technical information.
Example: Can you give me the specs on that new gadget?
Note: The slang 'specs' is more informal and concise than the original term 'specifications'.
Speciality
Often used to describe someone's particular area of expertise or skill.
Example: His speciality is creating unique cocktails.
Note: While 'speciality' shares the root with 'special', it emphasizes a specific field of excellence or focus.
Spec
Abbreviation of 'specification', commonly used in technical or business contexts.
Example: I need to double-check the spec for this project.
Note: Similar to 'specs', 'spec' is a shortened, informal version of 'specification'.
Special - Examples
This is a special occasion.
She has a special talent for singing.
This product is specially designed for sensitive skin.
Special grammar
Special - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: special
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): special
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): specials
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): special
Syllables, Separation and Stress
special Contains 2 syllables: spe • cial
Phonetic transcription: ˈspe-shəl
spe cial , ˈspe shəl (The red syllable is stressed)
Special - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
special: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
...