special
special — adjective
1. not like most others of the same type; unusual enough to be noticed or mentioned
not like most others of the same type; unusual enough to be noticed or mentioned
Anong prepared a special kind of tea from her grandmother's village.
collocation: special kind of
The night-shift nurse noticed a special smell coming from the empty room.
Darius keeps a special notebook for writing down his dreams.
A special type of rice is grown only in the mountain fields of this region.
- unusual
similar meaning but does not always carry the same positive or neutral tone; 'unusual' can suggest strangeness
- distinctive
focuses on being clearly different in a noticeable way; slightly more formal
- unique
stronger — means one of a kind; do not use with modifiers like 'very'
2. noticeably better, greater, or more important than what is usual for its type
noticeably better, greater, or more important than what is usual for its type
Romi's grandmother cooked a special dinner to celebrate the family reunion.
collocation: special [occasion/event/meal]
Lukas received a special award for helping his neighbours during the flood.
There is something special about the way the sunlight hits the lake at sunset.
Eshe felt her trip to the wildlife park was the most special day of summer.
The coach said today's match was special and the team should give it their all.
- exceptional
more formal; suggests unusually high quality
- remarkable
suggests something worth talking about because it is so good
- outstanding
implies being noticeably better than others; common in school and work contexts
- extraordinary
stronger than 'special'; suggests something far beyond the normal range
用法筆記
This sense is frequently used before nouns like 'occasion', 'celebration', 'day', 'moment', and 'relationship' to emphasize emotional importance. Unlike sense 1 (NOT USUAL), this sense has a strongly positive tone.
常見錯誤
3. made, organized, or used for a single particular aim, need, or situation rather
made, organized, or used for a single particular aim, need, or situation rather than for general use
The school hired a special teacher to work with students who have hearing difficulties.
collocation: special [teacher/equipment/school]
Minho bought a special brush for cleaning the narrow spaces between his teeth.
The hospital has a special machine that takes pictures of the inside of your body.
Adina wore special shoes that helped her stand comfortably for long hours at work.
用法筆記
Often appears in compound nouns: 'special offer', 'special needs', 'special effects', 'special delivery'. The noun that follows names the area or purpose for which something has been designed.
常見錯誤
4. belonging to or meant for a single person, group, or purpose and not shared with
belonging to or meant for a single person, group, or purpose and not shared with others
The chef made a special meal for a guest who cannot eat cheese or nuts.
collocation: special meal / special diet
Henrik kept a special chair in the corner that no one else could use.
The library has a special room where students can practise musical instruments.
Rodrigo's father built a special shelf for his model airplane collection.
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3 (PARTICULAR): sense 3 focuses on design for a function (e.g. a 'special tool' for a job), while this sense focuses on exclusive use (e.g. 'a special seat' reserved for someone). 'Special' in this sense is close to 'reserved' or 'exclusive'.
special — noun
1. a television programme created for a specific event, topic, or celebration, show
a television programme created for a specific event, topic, or celebration, shown separately from the usual series
The TV channel showed a special about the history of the space programme.
countable noun: a special about [topic]
Nadia watched a special on penguins that was filmed in Antarctica.
The network planned a New Year's special with famous singers from around the world.
Christopher recorded a wildlife special for his children to watch at the weekend.
- episode
a single programme within a regular series; not the same as a one-off special
- documentary
a factual programme, but not necessarily a special
2. a dish prepared by a restaurant for one day only, separate from the usual menu c
a dish prepared by a restaurant for one day only, separate from the usual menu choices
The waiter told us that today's special was grilled fish with lemon and herbs.
common phrase: today's special
Ishaan ordered the lunch special because it came with soup and a drink.
The diner's breakfast special includes two eggs, toast, and fresh fruit.
Romi asked what the daily special was before deciding what to eat.
3. an item that a business sells for less money than usual and makes available only
an item that a business sells for less money than usual and makes available only for a short time
The supermarket had a special on coffee beans — two bags for the price of one.
phrase: have a special on [product]
Adina bought the running shoes because they were on special that week.
This week's store specials include pasta, olive oil, and fresh tomatoes.
Charlotte saw a special on winter coats and bought one for her trip to Canada.
用法筆記
Common in the phrases 'on special' (being sold at a reduced price) and 'a special on [product]' (a promotion for a specific item). In American English, 'on sale' is more common than 'on special'.
常見錯誤
4. a volunteer police officer in the UK who works alongside regular officers withou
a volunteer police officer in the UK who works alongside regular officers without receiving a full salary, especially at local events or during emergencies
The special helped direct traffic outside the school during the morning rush.
British English; countable noun: a special / the specials
Henrik trained for six months before working as a special in his local town.
The police station relies on a team of specials to help with public events.
Camila volunteered as a special constable to help keep her neighbourhood safe.
用法筆記
Almost always used in the UK. The full title is 'special constable', but it is commonly shortened to 'special' in informal British English. The plural form is 'specials'.