especial

[ih-spesh-uh l] /ɪˈspɛʃ əl/

adjective

special; exceptional; outstanding:

of no especial importance; an especial friend.

of a particular kind, or peculiar to a particular one; particular:

your especial case.

Origin

1350-1400; Middle English < Middle French < Latin speciālis pertaining to a particular kind. See special

Related forms

especialness, noun

Usage note

See special.

Examples from the web for especial

It usually rewards faithful lawyers of no especial political importance with places.
They took especial care in reproducing illustrations.
The lecture was with especial reference to the influence of nature upon the folk imagination.
Of course it is my especial opinion formed by living in a country where some have all but other nothing.
No especial attention was paid to the new guest at.
Certainly this didn't add any especial appeal to the picture.
Hats may be chosen according to taste, but especial regard should be paid to what is becoming to the wearer.

British Dictionary definitions for especial

especial

/ɪˈspɛʃəl/

adjective (prenominal)

unusual; notable; exceptional: he paid especial attention to her that evening

applying to one person or thing in particular; not general; specific; peculiar: he had an especial dislike of relatives

Usage note

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 contexts

Word Origin

C14: from Old French, from Latin speciālis individual; see special

Word Origin and History for especial

adj.

late 14c., from Old French especial "pre-eminent, important," from Latin specialis "belonging to a particular kind or species," from species "kind" (see species).

Latin words with initial sp-, st-, sc- usually acquired an e- when borrowed by Old French. Modern French has restored the word to spécial. Originally with the same sense as special, later restricted to feelings, qualities, etc.