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ESPECIAL
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Surpassing what is common or usual or expected
Example:
what's so special about the year 2000?
Synonyms:
especial; exceptional; particular; special
Classified under:
Similar:
uncommon (not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind)
Context examples:
Had he treated you as an especial favourite, you would have found enemies, declared or covert, all around you; as it is, the greater number would offer you sympathy if they dared.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
He had come forth from the hands of God a perfect creature, happy and prosperous, guarded by the especial care of his Creator; he was allowed to converse with and acquire knowledge from beings of a superior nature, but I was wretched, helpless, and alone.
(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)
If I could have supposed that my aunt had recounted these particulars for my especial behoof, and as a piece of confidence in me, I should have felt very much distinguished, and should have augured favourably from such a mark of her good opinion.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
"How is the little dear?" asked Laurie, for Beth was his especial pet, and he felt more anxious about her than he liked to show.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
At this awful speech Amy contained herself with difficulty, for the impression was being given that she was rather a fast young lady, which was her especial aversion.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
He sends all sorts of loving wishes for Christmas, and an especial message to you girls, said Mrs. March, patting her pocket as if she had got a treasure there.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
This repulsive pillow was her especial property, being used as a weapon of defense, a barricade, or a stern preventive of too much slumber.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Don't take off your apron, whatever you do, it's peculiarly becoming, said Laurie, as Jo bestowed his especial aversion in her capacious pocket and offered her arm to support his feeble steps.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
The tent is for your especial benefit and that oak is your drawing room, this is the messroom and the third is the camp kitchen.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Laurie was her especial dread, but thanks to the new manager, he behaved with praiseworthy propriety, never called Mr. Bhaer 'a capital old fellow' in public, never alluded, in the remotest manner, to Jo's improved appearance, or expressed the least surprise at seeing the Professor's hat on the Marches' table nearly every evening.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
