especial
es·pe·cial
adjective \is-ˈpe-shəl\: more than usual
Full Definition of ESPECIAL
: being distinctive: as a : directed toward a particular individual, group, or end <sent especial greetings to his son> <took especial care to speak clearly> b : of special note or importance : unusually great or significant <a decision of especial relevance> c : highly distinctive or personal : peculiar <had an especial dislike for music> d : close, intimate <his especial crony> e : specific, particular <had no especial destination in mind>
— in especial
: in particular
Examples of ESPECIAL
- This is a matter of especial importance.
- <a candidate who handled the stunning defeat with especial grace>
Origin of ESPECIAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French — more at special
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to ESPECIAL
- Synonyms
- aberrant, aberrated, abnormal, anomalous, atypical, exceptional, exceeding, extraordinaire, extraordinary, freak, odd, peculiar, phenomenal, preternatural, rare, singular, uncommon, uncustomary, unique, unusual, unwonted
- Antonyms
- common, customary, normal, ordinary, typical, unexceptional, unextraordinary, usual
See Synonym Discussion at special
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