special
n. countablen. a dish or product that is not usually on the menu or in the shop. It is often sold for a lower price or only for a short time.
n. a product, service, or meal that is offered in addition to the standard range, often at a reduced price or for a limited period.
The chef's special today is grilled salmon.
The restaurant offers a lunch special that includes a sandwich, a side salad, and a drink for ten dollars.
While the standard menu remains consistent throughout the year, the kitchen introduces a weekly special to showcase seasonal ingredients sourced from local organic farms.
From Middle English *special, especial, especiall, from Old French especial (whence also French spécial), from Latin speciālis (from speciēs). In this sense displaced native Old English synderlīċ. Doublet of especial.
Commonly used in retail and hospitality contexts to denote temporary offers.
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special delivery
Something—whether desirable or undesirable—which is intentionally given to a specific individual or which an individual receives rapidly and unexpectedly; the personalized, direct quality of the transmission of such an item.
- 02
special military operation
A military situation resembling a war; especially the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- 03
special needs
Needs for special care, services or accommodations for people with disabilities.