# special

/ˈspɛʃəɫ/ (US) · /spˈɛʃəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/special
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. unique or better

adjective · CEFR A1

different from what is normal, usually in a way that is better or more important.

For teachers: distinguished by a unique, particular, or unusual quality that sets it apart from the ordinary.

- We are going to a very special restaurant for my mother's birthday.
- The gallery is hosting a special exhibition featuring rare sketches that have never been displayed to the public before.

### 2. specific purpose

adjective · CEFR A2

made or used for one particular person, thing, or event.

For teachers: designed or appointed for a specific purpose, occasion, or function rather than for general use.

- You need a special tool to open the back of this watch.
- The government appointed a special committee to investigate the environmental impact of the new highway project.

### 3. military/warfare

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to highly trained soldiers who do difficult or secret work.

For teachers: relating to unconventional warfare or elite military units trained for specific, high-risk missions.

- The special forces were sent in to rescue the hostages.
- The operation required the precision of special operations units capable of navigating the dense jungle without detection.

### 4. restaurant dish

noun · CEFR A2

a dish that is not on the regular menu or is sold at a lower price.

For teachers: a meal offered by a restaurant for a limited time, often featuring seasonal ingredients or a discounted price.

- The waiter told us that the seafood pasta was the daily special.
- While the standard menu is excellent, the chef's evening special usually highlights the freshest catch from the local market.

### 5. TV programme

noun · CEFR B1

a single television show that is not part of a regular series.

For teachers: an exceptional or standalone episode of a television series or a one-off broadcast event.

- The comedy show is filming a Christmas special this week.
- The network aired a two-hour news special documenting the historical significance of the recent election results.

### 6. theatre lighting

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a light used to shine on one specific person or thing on a stage.

For teachers: a luminaire used to highlight a specific performer or prop, distinct from the general wash of the stage.

- The technician adjusted the special to make sure the lead actor was visible.
- The lighting designer requested an additional special to emphasize the protagonist's isolation during the final soliloquy.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.