special

distinguished by some unusual quality especially, being in some way superior.

The first known use: in the 14th century

Word Structure

7 Letters, 2 Syllables

'spe cial

6 Phonemes

s p e S ə l

' = primary stress S = ship, sure ə = schwa

Sentence Examples

This is a special case and I want you to handle it personally.

Only under special circumstances will you be allowed to retake the test.

Your many years of service put you in a special category.

It takes a special quality to do what he did.

This is a very special occasion.

We have a special guest tonight—the mayor.

No one is more special to me than my wife.

He always made her feel special.

Today's lunch special is chili.

The specials are on the board.

They were having a special on paper towels so I stocked up.

Common Phrases

be nothing special

blue plate special

blue-light special

early bird special

nothing special

special delivery

special measures

special needs

there is a special place in heaven for (someone)

Deeper Dive

Learn more about special.