special

spe|cial¹ W1S1 [ˈspeʃəl] adj

[Date: 1100-1200; : Old French; Origin: especial, from Latin specialis 'particular', from species; SPECIES]

1.) not ordinary or usual, but different in some way and often better or more important

▪ a special place in the classroom for reading

▪ No one receives special treatment.

▪ Maria's special recipe for apple pie

▪ The good china was used only on special occasions .

▪ Each village has its own special charm.

anything/sth/nothing special

▪ Are you doing anything special for Christmas?

2.) particularly important to someone and deserving attention, love etc

▪ a party with a few special friends

▪ a teacher who made every child feel special

▪ Her second son had a special place in her heart .

3.) [only before noun]

a special position or job has a particular purpose or aim, and continues only until that purpose or aim is achieved

▪ Mitchell acted as a special envoy in the Northern Ireland peace talks.

4.) [only before noun]

more than usual

▪ Pay special attention to how you clean the wound.

special ²

special² n [C usually singular]

1.) something that is not usual or ordinary, and is made or done for a special purpose

▪ a TV special on the election

2.) a lower price than usual for a particular product for a short period of time

▪ a lunch special for $4.99

be on special

▪ Breyer's ice cream is on special this week.