Special Meaning
Special Definition & Usage
Describing something or someone as being exceptional, distinguished, or unique, often in a positive sense.
Examples
- "The chef prepared a special dish just for us."
- "She has a special talent for painting."
- "This is a special occasion, so let’s celebrate it properly."
- "His special skills made him a valuable member of the team."
- "The movie was a special treat for the entire family."
Referring to something that is designated or set aside from the usual or normal, often for a particular purpose.
Examples
- "This is a special edition of the book, with extra illustrations."
- "We’ll need a special permit for the event."
- "The company is offering a special discount this week."
- "The teacher gave us a special assignment to complete over the weekend."
- "They made a special announcement at the conference."
An event, offer, or thing that is distinguished from the ordinary due to its rarity or intended purpose.
Examples
- "We’re planning a special for the holidays."
- "There’s a special on the menu today — try the chef’s choice."
- "The special for the evening is a seafood platter."
- "She gave me a special as a thank-you for helping her out."
- "Join us for a special in the park this weekend."
Cultural Context
The word 'special' comes from the Latin word 'specialis', which means 'of a particular kind or sort'. It has evolved to describe things or people that stand out from the ordinary in positive or unique ways. 'Special' is frequently used in both everyday language and in contexts like advertising, marketing, and even in formal situations.
A Special Day in the Park
Story
A Special Day in the Park
It was a bright and sunny Saturday morning when Sarah and her best friend, Emily, decided to spend the day in the local park. It was no ordinary weekend outing — today was the day Emily was to announce a special surprise. As they walked down the path, Emily’s excitement was palpable. 'I’ve been working on something special for weeks now,' she said, her eyes gleaming. 'You’ll see when we get to the field.' The park was bustling with families, joggers, and picnickers. At the central field, there was a small gathering of people with picnic blankets spread out. Emily waved over to the organizer, a tall man in a bright blue shirt, and they made their way toward him. 'What’s all this?' Sarah asked, now curious. 'Well, today’s event is a special one,' Emily replied with a grin. 'It’s a fundraiser for local animal shelters, and they’ve got live music, games, and food trucks.' A man with a microphone stepped up on the stage, announcing, 'And now, for something truly special, we have a surprise performance!' He stepped aside, and a band started playing a familiar tune. Sarah gasped. 'That’s the band we saw last summer!' she exclaimed. 'They’re doing a special performance here? That’s incredible.' As they settled on the grass, Emily explained that the band had agreed to do a one-time concert as a part of the fundraising event. 'It’s really special,' she said, 'and I was lucky enough to get tickets.' The concert was a huge success, and as they left the park, Sarah turned to Emily. 'This was such a special day,' she said, 'I’m so glad we could share it together.' Emily smiled. 'It’s not every day you get to enjoy something so extraordinary.' The word 'special' in the story captured multiple meanings: the unique surprise of the concert, the event that stood out from their usual weekend plans, and the quality of the moment they shared, making it unforgettable.