special

About 143.52 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. adjective Distinguished by a unique, particular, or unusual quality.

   a special episode of a television series

2. adjective Of particular value or interest; dear; beloved.

   Everyone is special to someone.

3. adjective Of or related to unconventional warfare.

   special forces, special operations

4. adjective Appointed specifically to examine a single event or issue.

   For the few times the U.S. Supreme Court has to actually try a case, they will appoint a special master to do so.

5. adjective Constituting or relating to a species.

   Having seven dark spots is a special property unique to Coccinella septempunctata.

6. adjective Of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities.

   special education, special needs

7. adjective Stupid, lacking intelligence.

   What do you mean, you don't understand the sign? What are you, special?

8. adjective Of, being, or pertaining to sexual intercourse or the genitals.

   The parents told the kids not to bother them during special time.

Similar words

specific particular especial exceptional extraordinary primary peculiar uncommon extra specialized

Often followed by

attention interest education case reference needs issue cases and

Word family

specialer specialest specialness specialnesses specials