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Added 6 October 2026

special

/ˈspɛʃ.əl/ noun

In Latin: eximius, praecipuus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about special at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising.
they are having a special on pork chops
A dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant.
A television production that features a particular person or work or topic.
the last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight

adjective

Unique or specific to a person or thing or category.
the particular demands of the job
For a special service or occasion.
a special correspondent
Surpassing what is common or usual or expected.
he paid especial attention to her

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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