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special

Special means "better than ordinary." Like the self-portrait you lovingly painted as a surprise for your sweetie's birthday, something special is distinct, and surpasses the norm.

Something special is looked upon with affection, surpasses expectations, or has a particular role. It can also be a featured attraction or limited-run occurrence — like when there's a special on television or a special on cheese at the store. Ray Charles said, “Love is a special word, and I use it only when I mean it. You say the word too much and it becomes cheap.” Take this sweet crooner’s advice and don’t wear out special sentiments.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: special

1
 adjn
having a specific function or scope
a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising
2
 adj
surpassing what is common or usual or expected
3
 n
a dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant
4
 n
a television production that features a particular person or work or topic
FULL DEFINITIONS OF: special
1

adj having a specific function or scope

“a special (or specific) role in the mission”
Synonyms:
limited
specific
(sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique

adj adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose

“a special kind of paint”
“a special medication for arthritis”
Synonyms
specialised, specialized
developed or designed for a special activity or function

adj for a special service or occasion

“a special correspondent”
“a special adviser to the committee”
“had to get special permission for the event”
Synonyms
extraordinary
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

adj unique or specific to a person or thing or category

“the special features of a computer”
“my own special chair”
Synonyms:
particular, peculiar
specific
(sometimes followed by `to') applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique

adj first and most important

“his special interest is music”
Synonyms:
particular
primary
of first rank or importance or value; direct and immediate rather than secondary

n a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising

“they are having a special on pork chops”
Type of:
offer, offering
something offered (as a proposal or bid)
2

adj surpassing what is common or usual or expected

“a special occasion”
“a special reason to confide in her”
“what's so special about the year 2000?”
Synonyms:
especial, exceptional, particular
uncommon
not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind

adj added to a regular schedule

“a special holiday flight”
“put on special buses for the big game”
Synonyms:
extra
unscheduled
not scheduled or not on a regular schedule
3

n a dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant

Type of:
dish
a particular item of prepared food
4

n 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”
Type of:
TV program, TV show, television program, television show
a program broadcast by television
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