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particular

adj. · n.
US //ˌpɑˈtɪkjəɫɝ// UK //pətˈɪkjʊlɐ// par·tic·u·lar
  1. 1 specific (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to talk about one specific person, thing, or place rather than a general group.

    denoting a specific individual, item, or instance as distinct from others of the same kind.

    Example

    Is there a particular reason why you chose this restaurant for dinner?

    Example

    The investigator focused on one particular detail in the witness's statement that seemed to contradict the physical evidence found at the scene.
  2. 2 fussy or careful (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    choosing things very carefully or being hard to please.

    exhibiting great attention to detail; fastidious or difficult to satisfy regarding standards.

    Example

    He is very particular about how his coffee is made every morning.

    Example

    The editor was notoriously particular about punctuation, often returning manuscripts for the sake of a single misplaced comma.
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  1. 3 special (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    special or extra, often used to show that something is more important than usual.

    distinguished from others by being noteworthy or exceptional; often used in negative constructions for emphasis.

    Example

    The book is of no particular interest to anyone who isn't a history fan.

    Example

    While the film was technically competent, the plot offered no particular innovation to the tired tropes of the science fiction genre.
  2. 4 details (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the small facts or details of a situation.

    individual facts, points, or items; often used in the plural to refer to the full details of a case.

    Example

    The police officer took down the particulars of the accident in her notebook.

    Example

    The contract was signed once both parties were satisfied with the particulars regarding the delivery schedule and payment terms.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the plural form 'particulars'.
  3. 5 logic/philosophy (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Academic Technical Law

    a single thing or example, rather than a whole group or general idea.

    an individual instance or object as opposed to a universal or general class.

    Example

    The philosopher argued that we learn about the world through particulars.

    Example

    In formal logic, a statement is existential if it asserts something about a particular rather than the entire set.
Origin

From Middle English particuler, from Anglo-Norman particuler, Middle French particuler, particulier, from Late Latin particularis (“partial; separate, individual”), from Latin particula (“(small) part”). Equivalent to particle + -ar. Compare particle.

Word family

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