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.	adj n	adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose 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

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 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 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)

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

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

Type of:: dish
a particular item of prepared food

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