English adjective: special | |||
1. | special unique or specific to a person or thing or category | ||
Samples | The particular demands of the job. Has a particular preference for Chinese art. A peculiar bond of sympathy between them. An expression peculiar to Canadians. Rights peculiar to the rich. The special features of a computer. My own special chair. | ||
Synonyms | particular, peculiar | ||
Similar | specific | ||
Antonyms | general, nonspecific | ||
2. | special for a special service or occasion | ||
Samples | A special correspondent. A special adviser to the committee. Had to get special permission for the event. | ||
Similar | extraordinary | ||
Antonyms | ordinary | ||
3. | special surpassing what is common or usual or expected | ||
Samples | He paid especial attention to her. Exceptional kindness. A matter of particular and unusual importance. A special occasion. A special reason to confide in her. What's so special about the year 2000?. | ||
Synonyms | especial, exceptional, particular | ||
Similar | uncommon | ||
Antonyms | common | ||
4. | special adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose | ||
Samples | A special kind of paint. A special medication for arthritis. | ||
Similar | specialised, specialized | ||
Antonyms | unspecialised, unspecialized | ||
5. | special having a specific function or scope | ||
Samples | A special (or specific) role in the mission. | ||
Synonyms | limited | ||
Similar | specific | ||
Antonyms | general, nonspecific | ||
6. | special first and most important | ||
Samples | His special interest is music. She gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work. | ||
Synonyms | particular | ||
Similar | primary | ||
Antonyms | secondary | ||
7. | special added to a regular schedule | ||
Samples | A special holiday flight. Put on special buses for the big game. | ||
Synonyms | extra | ||
Similar | unscheduled | ||
Antonyms | scheduled | ||
English noun: special | |||
1. | special (communication) a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising | ||
Samples | They are having a special on pork chops. | ||
Broader (hypernym) | offer, offering | ||
2. | special (food) a dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant | ||
Broader (hypernym) | dish | ||
3. | special (communication) a television production that features a particular person or work or topic | ||
Samples | The last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight. | ||
Broader (hypernym) | television program, television show, TV program, TV show | ||