special

spe•cial

[[t]ˈspɛʃ əl[/t]] adj.

1) of a distinct or particular kind or character:

a special key[/ex]

2) pertaining or peculiar to a particular person, thing, instance, etc.; distinctive:

the special features of a plan[/ex]

3) having a specific or particular function, purpose, etc.:

a special messenger[/ex]

4) distinguished from what is ordinary or usual:

a special occasion[/ex]

5) extraordinary; exceptional:

special importance[/ex]

6) particularly valued:

a special friend[/ex]

7) a special person or thing

8) a train used for a particular purpose

9) sbz a stage spotlight used for a particular area, actor, etc

10) a temporary reduction in the price of regularly stocked goods, esp. food

11) sbz a single television program not forming part of a regular series

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Etymology: 1175–1225; ME (adj.) < L speciālis of a given species =speci(ēs) species+-ālis -al I; cf. especial spe′cial•ly, adv. usage: In American English the adjective special is overwhelmingly more common than especial in all senses: He will be of special help if you can't understand the charts. The reverse is true of the adverbs; here especially is by far the more common: He will be of great help, especially if you can't understand the charts. specially is more idiomatic only when the intended sense is “specifically”: The machine was specially designed for a left-handed operator.