especial

es·pe·cial

adj \is-ˈpe-shəl\

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

Examples of ESPECIAL

1. This is a matter of especial importance.
2. <a candidate who handled the stunning defeat with especial grace>

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

Related Words: conspicuous, notable, noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, salient, striking; bizarre, deviant, eccentric, freakish, monstrous, oddball, outlandish, quaint, strange, weird; incomprehensible, inconceivable, incredible, unimaginable, unthinkable

Near Antonyms: everyday, familiar, frequent

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at special