ESPECIAL definition: special; exceptional; outstanding. See examples of especial used in a sentence.

Answer The meanings of the adjectives special and especial are very similar. They both mean “different and more than usual,” as in the examples below: This is a matter of special …

Especial emphasis should be placed on the use and importance of fresh, green vegetables. So she found that all her friends might freely visit her, and that her father would be received with …

There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective especial, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

1. unusual; notable; exceptional: he paid especial attention to her that evening. 2. applying to one person or thing in particular; not general; specific; peculiar: he had an especial dislike of …

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 es•pe•cial (i spesh′ əl), adj. special; exceptional; outstanding: of no especial importance; an especial friend. …

Relating to or directed toward a particular person, group, or purpose: called his father with especial birthday wishes; gave especial attention to the decorations.

Definition of especial adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Some common synonyms of especial are individual, particular, special, and specific. While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," especial may add implications of …

Is especial a word or just a variation of special? Learn about its origin and the differences between these two words.