Especial | Definition of especial by Merriam-Webster

Full Definition of ESPECIAL

: being distinctive: as

a : directed toward a particular individual, group, or end <sent especial greetings to his son> <took especial care to speak clearly>

b : of special note or importance : unusually great or significant <a decision of especial relevance>

c : highly distinctive or personal : peculiar <had an especial dislike for music>

d : close, intimate <his especial crony>

e : specific, particular <had no especial destination in mind>

— in especial

: in particular

See especial defined for English-language learners

See especial defined for kids

Origin of ESPECIAL

Middle English, from Anglo-French — more at special

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ESPECIAL

Synonyms: aberrant, aberrated, abnormal, anomalous, atypical, exceptional, exceeding, extraordinaire, extraordinary, freak, odd, peculiar, phenomenal, preternatural, rare, singular, uncommon, uncustomary, unique, unusual, unwonted

Antonyms: common, customary, normal, ordinary, typical, unexceptional, unextraordinary, usual

Synonym Discussion of ESPECIAL

special, especial, specific, particular, individual mean of or relating to one thing or class. special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own <special ingredients>. especial may add implications of preeminence or preference <a matter of especial importance>. specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species <children with specific nutritional needs>. particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual <a ballet step of particular difficulty>. individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group <valued each individual opinion>.

Definition of ESPECIAL for Kids

: more than usual : special

— es·pe·cial·ly adverb

Learn More About ESPECIAL

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "especial"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "especial"

Nglish: Translation of "especial" for Spanish speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: especiallyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: espavéAll Words Near: especial

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up especial? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site