special

Different from ordinary things, or important in a way that makes people notice or care about it.

• Today is a special day.
• We bought a special gift for her birthday.
• The museum opened a special exhibition for children.

Similar words: unusual, exceptional

Opposites: ordinary

Common phrases: special occasion, special gift, special treatment, special episode

Very important or dear to someone because of their feelings or personal connection.

• You are special to me.
• That song holds special memories for us.
• She wanted to spend the evening with someone special.

How to use it: special to someone (This garden is special to my mother.)

Similar words: dear, precious, cherished

Common phrases: special to someone, special friend, someone special

Connected with a particular group of animals or plants that share the same basic features.

• The biologist described the insect's special characters.
• Leaf shape is a special property used in this classification.
• The study compares generic and special characteristics of these plants.

Similar words: specific

Common phrases: special character, special property, special characteristics

A dish a restaurant offers for a limited time, often outside its usual menu or at a lower price.

• Today's special is chicken soup.
• I ordered the lunch special.
• The waiter told us about the evening specials.

Similar words: dish of the day

Common phrases: today's special, daily special, lunch special, chef's special

An offer to sell something at a lower price, usually for a short time.

• These shoes are on special.
• The store is running a special on oranges.
• Check the weekly specials before you shop.

How to use it: a special on something (The shop has a special on coffee this week.)

Similar words: special offer, deal, promotion

Common phrases: on special, weekly special, run a special