Particular Meaning

UK /pəˈtɪkjʊlə/
US /pɚˈtɪkjəlɚ/
Word Definition
particular meaning

Particular Definition & Usage

adjective

Referring to a specific item, detail, or characteristic among many, often highlighting its uniqueness or specialness.

Examples

  • "She has a particular style that sets her apart from other designers."
  • "The museum exhibit focused on a particular period of Renaissance art."
  • "There is one particular problem that we need to solve immediately."
  • "I’m looking for a particular book, one about ancient Rome."
  • "He had a particular interest in classical music, often attending concerts and performances."
adjective

Used to describe someone who is very focused on or concerned with details, or someone who is choosy or selective.

Examples

  • "She’s a very particular person when it comes to food."
  • "John is particular about how his books are organized on the shelf."
  • "He was particular about the brand of coffee he drank every morning."
  • "My grandmother is so particular about her garden; every flower must be in the right place."
  • "They’re particularly particular about the way their clothes are laundered."
noun

A specific detail, aspect, or item among others.

Examples

  • "She gave me the particulars of the case during our meeting."
  • "Can you send me the particulars of the event, such as the date and location?"
  • "I need all the particulars before I can make a decision."
  • "The contract was signed after we clarified all the particulars."
  • "Let’s discuss the particulars of the project before proceeding."

Cultural Context

The word 'particular' has its roots in the Latin word 'particularis', which means 'of a part'. Over time, it has evolved to describe something specific or unique within a larger context. It is frequently used to highlight distinctiveness or precision in both general and formal language.

The Particulars of Her Dream

Story

The Particulars of Her Dream

Mia sat in the dimly lit café, the steam from her coffee swirling upward in delicate, spiraling patterns. She had always been a particularly detail-oriented person, someone who could pick out the smallest discrepancies in a room, a person, or even a conversation. But today was different. Today, Mia was focusing on the big picture. She had a particular reason for being here, but it wasn’t just the usual need for caffeine or a quiet place to think. Today, she had to make an important decision. Across from her, Jason, her longtime friend, glanced at the menu, his fingers tapping in time with an imaginary beat. 'You’re awfully particular today,' he said with a smile, sensing her focus. 'What’s going on?' Mia looked at him, her brow furrowed. He was right, she had always been particular about little things, whether it was the precise arrangement of her books or the way she organized her thoughts. But today, it wasn’t just about preferences. She was looking for something specific. 'It’s the conference,' she said quietly. 'I need to decide whether I want to go into teaching or research. Each option has its own particulars, you know?' Jason nodded, understanding the weight of the decision. He had always admired how Mia could focus on even the smallest of details, while also managing to appreciate the broader context. The particulars of each job—teaching required patience, while research required precision. Mia was thinking deeply when she suddenly remembered something her professor had told her. 'In every decision, you have to focus on what stands out to you the most. The particular thing that drives you.' The advice had always stayed with her, and today it felt more relevant than ever. What was it that really mattered? Jason broke her train of thought. 'I think it’s not about being particular about every little thing,' he said. 'Sometimes you have to take a step back and see the big picture.' Mia smiled, taking a deep breath. Maybe it wasn’t about focusing on the particulars at all. Maybe, for once, she could trust herself to make a decision without overthinking all the details. In that moment, she made up her mind, deciding that, just this once, the big picture mattered more than the particulars.

The Particulars of Her Dream