special en · ADJ
Pronunciation
- (General-American) audio
- [ˈspɛʃ.ɫ̩] (General-American, Received-Pronunciation)
- /ˈspeʃ.əl/ (Australia, New-Zealand)
- spĕʹshəl (General-American, Received-Pronunciation)
- [ˈspeʃ.ɫ̩] (Australia, New-Zealand)
- /ˈspɛʃ.əl/ (General-American, Received-Pronunciation)
Etymology
From Middle English *special, especial, especiall, from Old French especial (whence also French spécial), from Latin speciālis (from speciēs). In this sense displaced native Old English synderlīċ. Doublet of especial.
Meanings
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Distinguished by a unique, particular, or unusual quality.
a special episode of a television series
EVERY CHILD IS SPECIAL An empty and meaningless sentiment. What about every adult? Isn't every adult special? And if not, then at what age does a person go from being special to being not-so-special? And if every adult is also special, then that means all people are special and the idea has no meaning.
2004, George Carlin, “PLEASE DON'T SAY THAT”, in When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?, New York: Hyperion Books, →ISBN, →OCLC, →OL, page 132:her special blend of spices
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Of particular value or interest; dear; beloved.
his special friend of many years, Bill
Everyone is special to someone.
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Of or related to unconventional warfare.
special forces, special operations
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Appointed specifically to examine a single event or issue.
After the Watergate break in, a special prosecutor was appointed.
For the few times the U.S. Supreme Court has to actually try a case, they will appoint a special master to do so.
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Constituting or relating to a species.
Having seven dark spots is a special property unique to Coccinella septempunctata.
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(euphemistic, not-comparable) Of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities.
special education, special needs
He goes to a special school.
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(broadly, comparable, derogatory, euphemistic, not-comparable, offensive, often) Of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities. ▸ Stupid, lacking intelligence.
What do you mean, you don't understand the sign? What are you, special?
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(euphemistic, not-comparable) Of, being, or pertaining to sexual intercourse or the genitals.
The girl said the man had tried to touch her special place.
The parents told the kids not to bother them during special time.
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(euphemistic, not-comparable) Infused with a drug, especially marijuana; being an edible.
Then with the rest of the money I use it to pay for the building, maintenance, utilities, up keep, and the special brownies! In addition, I have bongs that the parishioners can use if they forget to bring their own bongs for smoking.
2020 March 19, I. D. Oro, Mexico Wall 130, I. D. Oro, page 136:This book will help you to […] • Cook with the confidence that the neighbors won't find out your brownies are 'special' • Never again worry about getting caught growing because someone smelled your garden
2012 November 1, Klyde, How To Hide The Smell Of Weed, Lulu.com, →ISBN, page 9:“They're special brownies,” said Rosie. Special brownies! Of course they were special! They were perfect and delicious! What a great word to describe them! Rosie caught on that Lulu had not caught on. “Special brownies. Happy brownies. […] They're the ones that have weed in them.”
2021 September 23, Gillian A. Corsiatto, Duck Light, FriesenPress, →ISBN, page 5:“Jen, when someone offers you 'special' brownies or 'funny' brownies, they have pot in them. You're totally high right now.” Me, high? No way! No one ever offered the nerdy girl drugs. And I'd never, ever accept them.
2021 June 15, Laura Heffernan, Sweet Reality, Empress Books:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| specialest | Degree=Sup | lexicographic | |
| specialer | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic | |
| more special | Degree=Cmp | lexicographic | |
| most special | Degree=Sup | lexicographic |
Antonyms
everyday (antonym(s) of “distinguished by a unique or unusual quality”) · run-of-the-mill (antonym(s) of “distinguished by a unique or unusual quality”) · common-or-garden (antonym(s) of “distinguished by a unique or unusual quality”) · general (antonym(s) of “distinguished by a unique or unusual quality”) · nonspecial (antonym(s) of “distinguished by a unique or unusual quality”) · ordinary (antonym(s) of “distinguished by a unique or unusual quality”) · common (antonym(s) of “distinguished by a unique or unusual quality”) · usual (antonym(s) of “distinguished by a unique or unusual quality”)
Deriveds
specialist · Special Olympics · special service request · special friend · special area · special economic zone · hyperspecial · specialogue · special saloon · special forces · toasted special · special grace · special master · special someone · specialness · special lassi · special omelette · special rapporteur · special education · interspecial · special agent · genderspecial · special relationship · special retainer · special-purpose vehicle · special name · special service requirement · special pleader · special team · special school · special stage · special counsel · special teamer · special operations · special pleading · special defense · special session · special linear group · special defence · special-case · special police · special proceeding · special prosecutor · special function · in special · special snowflake · suicide special · special interest group · unspecial · special unitary group · special event · special treatment · special education advocate · special revelation · special election · special-purpose entity · special constable · special military operation · special snowflake syndrome · special ops · special court-martial · special case · special administrative region · specially · special relativity · special creation · special order sale · manager's special · on special · speciality · special issue · specialisation · special educator · special resolution · special delivery · special drawing right · special warranty deed · special handling unit · special verdict · antispecial · nothing special · special measures · superspecial · special ward · special character · special licence · special operation · specialism · specialise · specialty · special move · special interest · special ed · special situation · special victims unit · special damages · special sauce · very special episode · special effect · special fried rice · special rights
Relateds
Synonyms
Translations (200)
bg специа́лен (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · is sérstakur (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · tr özel (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · fi lajityypillinen (constituting or relating to a species) · ka განსაკუთრებული (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · uk спеціа́льний (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · kk арнаулы (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hu jellegzetes (constituting or relating to a species) · ja 特殊な (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · he מיוחד \ מְיֻחָד (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · bg любим (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · sv speciell (of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities) · ga ar leith (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · bg специален (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · ur خاص (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ar خَاصّ (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · uk ви́їмковий (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hi ख़ास (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · fi erikois- (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · oc especial (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · mk посебен (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · fr particulier (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · bg особен (constituting or relating to a species) · ru осо́бенный (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · id istimewa (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · es especial (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · he מיוחד \ מְיֻחָד (of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities) · sh спе̏ција̄лан (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ca especial (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · sh по́себан (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · de bestimmt (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · sw maalum (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · pl specjalny (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · cmn 特殊的 (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · sk špeciálny (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · sv särskild (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · fi erikoinen (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · cs druhový (constituting or relating to a species) · cy arbennig (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · cmn 專門的 /专门的 (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · fa مخصوص (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · bho खास (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · pl wyjątkowy (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · bg осо́бен (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · fr spécial (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · fa خاص (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · cs jedinečný (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · hy հատուկ (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · sk zvláštny (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hu különleges (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · sh póseban (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ru осо́бый (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · gd àraidh (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · mn онцгой (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · yi ספּעציעל (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ar خُصُوصِيّ (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · kk арнайы (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · la praecipuus (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · yue 特別 /特别 (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · id khusus (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · cs zvláštní (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · el ειδικός (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · ur مخصوص (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · kmr taybet (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ms khas (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hy հատուկ (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hu speciális (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · la eximius (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · da speciel (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ja 特別な (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · es especial (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · ga speisialta (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ms istimewa (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · de Spezial- (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · nn spesial (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · nl speciaal (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · mr विशेष (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · nn spesiell (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · de besondere (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ko 특수하다 (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · fa ویژه (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · fi omalaatuinen (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · it speciale (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · de Lieblings- (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · uk особли́вий (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ug ئالاھىدە (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hi विशिष्ट (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · el έκτακτος (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ka სპეციალური (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hu (fajra) jellemző (constituting or relating to a species) · mi motuhake (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · fi tietty (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · pl osobliwy (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · gd sònraichte (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · tk aýratyn (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hu speciális (of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities) · vi đặc biệt (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · fi erityinen (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · nv spéshelígíí (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · bn বিশেষ (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · it specifico (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ps خاص (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · la eximius (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · az əlahiddə (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ru дорого́й (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · fi pidetty (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · de speziell (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · dsb wósebny (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · lo ພິເສດ (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · az xüsusi (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hu kisegítő (of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities) · ps خصوصي (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · de Spezial- (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · hi विशेष (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · az məxsus (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · et eri- (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ka განსაკუთრებული (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · lv īpašs (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · cs zvláštní (constituting or relating to a species) · eu berezi (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · pl wyjątkowy (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · sq i veçantë (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · lt ypatingas (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hu szak- (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hu alkalmi (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · el ιδιαίτερος (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · io specala (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hu különleges (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · hu szakmai (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · lt nepaprastas (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · sv speciell (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · de Sonder- (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · nl speciaal (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · sv särskild (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · km ពិសេស (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · de speziell (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · mn тусгай (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · sl poseben (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · be спецыя́льны (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ka საგანგებო (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · tg алоҳида (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · id spesial (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · ms khusus (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · tg вижа (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · tr has (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · io specala (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · pt especial (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hu külön- (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · id khas (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · eo speciala (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · ko 특별하다 (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · tr özel (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · tg хос (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ru видово́й (constituting or relating to a species) · de ungewöhnlich (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · gd air leth (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · cmn 格外 (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · ang synderlīċ (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · ps مخصوص (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ka გამორჩეული (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · ang synderlīċ (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ug خاس (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · my ထူး (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · fa استثنایی (of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities) · pt especial (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · be асаблі́вы (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · uz alohida (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · it speciale (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · pdt besonda (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · de Sonder- (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · cmn 特別的 /特别的 (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ro special (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · uz xos (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · nb spesial (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · gd àraidh (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ms istimewa (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · be вынятко́вы (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · he ייחודי (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · th พิเศษ (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · eo speciala (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · uz maxsus (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · gd sònraichte (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · ky атайын (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ru люби́мый (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · et eriline (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · el ειδικός (constituting or relating to a species) · ltg sovins (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · no spesiell (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · cs speciální (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · tg махсус (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · sv speciell (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · nb spesiell (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · tt махсус (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ary خاص (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · sh spȅcijālan (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · ca especial (of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored) · ru специа́льный (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · az xas (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · hu rendkívüli (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality) · he מיוחד \ מְיֻחָד (distinguished by a unique or unusual quality)