Special Meaning
/ˈspɛʃ.əl/Definition, CEFR level A1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjDistinguished by a unique, particular, or unusual quality.
adjOf particular value or interest; dear; beloved.
Sentence Examples
In case the shipment is delayed, we have special delay insurance.
Are you doing anything special?
The school will only allow this in special circumstances.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The bakery made a ____ cake for the wedding, unlike their usual simple items.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
They prepared a ____ dinner to surprise their grandmother on her eightieth birthday next weekend.
Word Origin & History
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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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:
"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:
"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:
"“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:
"“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:
Explore More A1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The bakery made a ____ cake for the wedding, unlike their usual simple items.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
They prepared a ____ dinner to surprise their grandmother on her eightieth birthday next weekend.