What does special mean?
“Special” describes something that differs from what is ordinary, either because it is unusually distinctive or because it has been made or chosen for a particular purpose. It can refer to an exceptional person, such as “a special friend,” or to a person, event, or product designed for a specific role, such as “a special occasion.” The word often conveys warmth, distinction, or personal significance, but it can also suggest exclusivity or preferential treatment: “special treatment,” for example, may be complimentary or critical depending on context. In institutional phrases such as “special needs” and “special education,” it identifies a particular category of requirement rather than merely something unusual. Although “special” is frequently used in informal speech, it is also a standard and widely understood adjective in formal, educational, medical, legal, and commercial contexts.
Different from what is ordinary or general; intended for a particular purpose; or more than usual.
"The emergency team used special equipment to reach the injured climber."
The adjective can indicate either distinction or a specifically assigned purpose.
A particular person, thing, or edition regarded as distinctive or exceptional.
"She is a special who has won the club’s highest award."
The noun meaning an exceptional or especially valued person is common in informal speech; it can also refer to a special edition or a featured item.
Usually used for distinct individuals, items, or editions, especially in informal or entertainment contexts.
"The programme’s final episode features specials from every series."
Special literally begins with the idea of a species: it originally referred to something belonging to a particular kind, and later came to mean exceptional.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does special come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French especial, which was borrowed from Latin specialis. Latin specialis was derived from species, meaning “appearance,” “kind,” or “sort,” and is connected with specere, “to look at.” English later developed specialised meanings for a particular purpose and for an exceptional or distinguished case, while related words such as “specific,” “species,” “specimen,” and “specialize” preserve the same underlying idea of a particular kind.
Related word forms
How special is actually used
In everyday British and American English, “special” is very common and generally neutral. “Special needs” is the established phrase for people who have disabilities or particular educational, medical, or support requirements; in some contexts, “special education” is more formal than “special education needs.” As a noun, “a special” meaning an exceptional person is informal.
Easily confused with special
A specific thing is precisely identified, whereas a special thing is distinguished from ordinary things or intended for a particular purpose.