FluentPlex

special

/ˈspɛʃ.əl/ adjective A1
  1. Distinguished by a unique, particular, or unusual quality. · a special episode of a television series· her special blend of spices
  2. Of particular value or interest; dear; beloved. · Everyone is special to someone.· his special friend of many years, Bill
  3. Of or related to unconventional warfare. · special forces, special operations
  4. Appointed specifically to examine a single event or issue. · For the few times the U.S. Supreme Court has to actually try a case, they will appoint a special master to do so.· After the Watergate break in, a special prosecutor was appointed.
  5. Constituting or relating to a species. · Having seven dark spots is a special property unique to Coccinella septempunctata.
  6. Of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities. · special education, special needs· He goes to a special school.
  7. Stupid, lacking intelligence. · What do you mean, you don't understand the sign? What are you, special?
  8. Of, being, or pertaining to sexual intercourse or the genitals. · The parents told the kids not to bother them during special time.· The girl said the man had tried to touch her special place.

Comparative specialer · Superlative specialest

+ Save to review

From the library

There should have been a special commandment against nagging.
Anne of Green Gables, p. 260 · C1
“But it’s such a very special occasion,” mourned Anne, on the verge of tears.
Anne of Green Gables, p. 145 · C1
“No, I can’t think of anything special.”
Anne of Green Gables, p. 162 · C1
The most commonplace crime is often the most mysterious because it presents no new or special features from which deductions may be drawn.
A Study in Scarlet, p. 74 · B2

Other matches

Learn special in real texts

With a free account, hover any word in the library for its meaning, hear it read aloud, save words for review timed to your memory, and see how much of each book you already know.

Create free account
Words, meanings, pronunciations and translations from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0); how common each word is from wordfreq. Made into this dictionary by FluentPlex.