Language Research

special · adjective

/ˈspeʃ.əl/Full view

Word family

Nouns: special, specialist, specialty, specialization

Adjectives: special, specialized

Verbs: specialize

Adverbs: specially

special (VERY GOOD)

A2 better or more important than usual things

Dictionary examples:

a special friend

The car has a number of special safety features.

I'm cooking something special for her birthday.

Is there anything special that you'd like to do today?

I have a suit for special occasions.

Learner example:

I got many presents from my friends, and I got a special present from my dad [-] it was a new bike (Key English Test; A2; Indonesian)

special offer

B1 a price which is lower than usual

Dictionary example:

There's a special offer on sunglasses this week.

Learner example:

Unfortunately, they have stopped their special offer "1 month [for Euro] 100" and I know that you want to stay fit. As soon as they make a new offer I will let you know and then you [can] join us! (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

special (DIFFERENT)

B1 different from normal things, or used for a particular purpose

Dictionary examples:

You need to use a special kind of paint.

Some of the children have special needs.

Kevin goes to a special school for the blind.

Firefighters use special breathing equipment in smoky buildings.

Learner example:

He stepped into a small, handmade, wooden canoe - it['s] call[ed] Hakaro. It's a special kind of canoe. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

special attention/care/treatment

B2 treatment that is better than usual

Dictionary example:

I don't expect special treatment - I just want to be treated fairly.

Learner example:

As you know, an Austin Healey needs special treatment. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)