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Definition of especial

especial

/ɪˈspɛʃ.əl/
es · pe · cial
Adverb:especially
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especial Lexical Profile

especial Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual; of an exceptional degree or importance.

Example

"The committee took especial care to ensure that every applicant was evaluated fairly."

2

Belonging or relating specifically to one particular person, thing, or purpose.

Example

"She prepared the meal for the especial benefit of their visiting guests."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for especial
Antonyms
View all antonyms for especial

Word Nuance & Usage

While its adverbial derivative 'especially' is extremely common, the adjective 'especial' is formal and used almost exclusively before a noun (attributively) to emphasize exceptional degree, whereas 'special' is the standard choice in everyday contexts.

• Rhymes for especial

• Nearby Words

esox
espadrille
espana
especial
especially
esperanto
espionage

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'especial', from Latin 'specialis' ('individual, particular'), derived from 'species' ('appearance, kind, sort'). The initial 'e-' developed in Old French to ease pronunciation before the 'sp-' consonant cluster.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Especial. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/especial
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