Special
/ˈspɛʃəl/
adjectivenounA2
Definition
Special describes something or someone that is not ordinary and is better, different, or important in some way. It can also be a noun meaning a thing or event that is made or done for a particular purpose or person.
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See It in Action
Different or better than usual in a good way
- •Today is a special day because it's our anniversary.
- •She wore a special dress for the party.
- •This restaurant has a special menu for holidays.
A thing or event made for a particular purpose or person
- •The teacher gave us a special to celebrate the end of the year.
- •They made a special for children on TV.
- •I have a special for you—a surprise gift!
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "special" like "good," but more unique or important—not just good, but better or different in a way that matters
- ✓Picture a birthday cake with candles—this cake is not just any cake, it is special for the birthday person
- ✓It's the feeling when someone gives you a present that shows they really thought about you
- ✓Sounds like "SPE-shul" → imagine a speech (SPE) that is unusual and makes everyone listen carefully
- ✓Remember special days like holidays or your own birthday that feel different and important
- ✓NOT like "normal" (usual, every day), "special" means something stands out or is set apart
- ✓NOT like "big" (size), "special" means important or unique, not just large or loud
- ✓NOT like "expensive," something special can be simple but meaningful
Try Other Words
- •Unique: one of a kind, not like others (Use when emphasizing being the only one)
- •Important: having meaning or value (Use when focusing on value or significance)
- •Different: not the same as usual (Use when focusing on being not ordinary)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: no prefix or suffix; "special" is a whole word
- •Etymology: from Latin "specialis," meaning "particular, individual"
- •Historical development: entered English in late 14th century to mean particular or distinct
- •Modern usage: describes things or people that stand out because of importance, uniqueness, or purpose
Reflect & Connect
•What makes a person or thing special to you? Can something small be special?
•How do people show something is special in different cultures or situations?
Fill in the blanks
1.We bought a special ___ for our friend's birthday party to make it memorable.
2.When someone is special, they often make you feel ___ and important.
3.A special event is different from a normal day because it has ___ meaning or purpose.
4.Instead of a regular meal, they prepared a special ___ just for the guests.
5.You can say "special" when you want to show something is ___ or better than usual.
6.When the teacher said there would be a special, we knew it was not a ___ class.
7.A special gift is usually chosen because it shows ___ for the person who receives it.