special: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/ˈspɛʃəl/·SPESH-ul

Special (adjective) means different from usual and often better or more important.

What does “special” mean?

  1. 1

    adjectivedifferent from usual and often better or more important

    Tonight is a special occasion.
  2. 2

    adjectivemade or used for a particular person or purpose

    You need special shoes for climbing.

Special at a glance

Part of speech
adjective
CEFR level
A1 (beginner)
Pronunciation
/ˈspɛʃəl/ · SPESH-ul

Common phrases with “special”

  • special offer
  • special occasion
  • nothing special

Synonyms (similar meaning)

Antonyms (opposite meaning)

  • ordinary
  • normal

Word family

  • specially
  • specialist
  • specialize
  • specialty

“special” is on these word lists

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