Definition of 'especial'
adjective
Especial means unusual or special in some way.
[formal]
The authorities took especial interest in him because of his trade union work.
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
adjective (prenominal)
▶ USAGE Especial and especially have a more limited use than special and specially. Special is always used in preference to especial when the sense is one of being out of the ordinary: a special lesson; he has been specially trained. Special is also used when something is referred to as being for a particular purpose: the word was specially underlined for you. Where an idea of pre-eminence or individuality is involved, either especial or special may be used: he is my especial (or special) friend; he is especially (or specially) good at his job. In informal English, however, special is usually preferred in all contexts2.
applying to one person or thing in particular; not general; specific; peculiar
he had an especial dislike of relatives
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin of 'especial'
C14: from Old French, from Latin speciālis individual; see special adjective
special; particular; outstanding; exceptional
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈspecial
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word origin of 'especial'
ME & OFr < L specialisExample sentences containing 'especial'
Hooch grunted, gently, under his breath, as if this comment had an especial significance for him, personally.
BEHINDLINGS (2002) THE LORD OF THE RINGS (2002)I have tokens that I was bidden to show to thee -- to thee in especial, if thou shouldst dare to come.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS (2002)Trends of 'especial'
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Definition of especial from the
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