special
gb/spˈɛʃəl/ us/spˈɛʃəl/
A2
English
~ 500
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
different from normal in a good way
Better, more important, or different from usual.
Usage pattern:
[something] is special
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'special' with 'specific'; 'special' means unusual or important in some way, not just clearly identified.
Synonyms
exceptional (Stronger emphasis on being much better than average.)
|
unique (Focuses on being one of a kind rather than quality.)
Antonyms
ordinary (Describes something normal and not unusual.)
|
common (Implies something frequently seen and not remarkable.)
Collocations
special occasion
|special treatment
|special place
|special someone
|special gift
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This cake is special because I baked it myself.
- She wore a special dress for her graduation.
- We saved the wine for a special occasion.
- He has a special talent for music.
- That park is special to me because I grew up nearby.
Learner examples
- Today is a special day for our family.
- My grandmother made a special soup for me.
- This photo is special to me.
- We went to a special place by the sea.
- He is a special friend.
adjective
A2
property
2
made for a certain purpose
Made or done for one person or purpose only.
Usage pattern:
[something] is special for [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Sometimes confused with 'exclusive'; 'exclusive' often implies limited access or privilege, not just purpose-built.
Synonyms
custom (Emphasizes being made to order for someone.)
|
particular (More formal; stresses being specific to something.)
Antonyms
general (Not made for a specific purpose or person.)
Collocations
special offer
|special menu
|special edition
|special service
Themes
daily life
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The restaurant has a special menu for children.
- We prepared a special welcome for our guests.
- This software has special features for designers.
- She received special training before starting the job.
Learner examples
- This shop has a special price today.
- We made a special cake for his birthday.
- The hotel offers a special breakfast for guests.
- There is a special bus to the airport.
Noun
B1
entity
3
temporary discount or feature item
A food or product that is cheaper or available for a short time.
Usage pattern:
[place] has/is offering [a/the] special(s)
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'special' (noun) with 'special offer'; they are similar but the noun can also mean featured items without discount.
Synonyms
deal (Informal; can apply to more situations beyond food.)
Antonyms
regular item (A standard product that is always available and not discounted.)
Collocations
lunch special
|today's special
|weekly specials
Themes
business
|daily life
|food_drink
|daily_life
Examples
- The café is serving a seafood pasta as today's special.
- They have weekly specials on fresh produce.
- Ask the waiter about the lunch specials.
Learner examples
- The restaurant has a fish special today.
- I ordered the pizza special.
- They have fruit specials this week.
Grammar
Dictionary form
special
IPA
GB/spˈɛʃəl/
US/spˈɛʃəl/
Syllables & stress
spe - cial (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (spe)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: special
Noun
- Base: special
- Plural: specials
Word family
Forms
specials
noun
Core family
Related words
specialize
verb B1
specialty
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
ordinary
adjective A2
unspecialized
adjective
Advanced or less common
specialization
noun B2
Expressions
make someone feel special
1/mˈeɪk sˈʌmwˌʌn fˈil spˈɛʃəl/
fixed phrase
make someone feel valued and appreciated
To do something so that someone feels important and loved.
Examples
- He always makes her feel special on her birthday.
- A good teacher can make every student feel special.
nothing special
1/nˈʌθɪŋ spˈɛʃəl/
fixed phrase
ordinary or unremarkable thing
Not unusual, important, or impressive.
Examples
- The movie was fine, but nothing special.
- Dinner was okay—nothing special.
on special
1/ˈɔn spˈɛʃəl/
fixed phrase
temporarily discounted item
Being sold at a lower price than normal for a short time.
Examples
- These apples are on special this week.
- The store has jeans on special today.
special needs
1/spˈɛʃəl nˈidz/
fixed phrase
requirements due to disabilities
Help or services needed because of a disability or learning problem.
Examples
- The school has programs for children with special needs.
- He works with adults who have special needs.
special occasion
1/spˈɛʃəl ɔkˈeɪʒən/
fixed phrase
important or memorable event
An important event like a wedding, birthday, or holiday.
Examples
- They saved the champagne for a special occasion.
- Her graduation was truly a special occasion.