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specially

 - 3 dictionary results

spe⋅cial

  [spesh-uhl]
Use specially in a Sentence
–adjective
1. of a distinct or particular kind or character: a special kind of key.
2. being a particular one; particular, individual, or certain: You'd better call the special number.
3. pertaining or peculiar to a particular person, thing, instance, etc.; distinctive; unique: the special features of a plan.
4. having a specific or particular function, purpose, etc.: a special messenger.
5. distinguished or different from what is ordinary or usual: a special occasion; to fix something special.
6. extraordinary; exceptional, as in amount or degree; especial: special importance.
7. being such in an exceptional degree; particularly valued: a special friend.
–noun
8. a special person or thing.
9. a train used for a particular purpose, occasion, or the like.
10. a special edition of a newspaper.
11. Theater. a spotlight reserved for a particular area, property, actor, etc.: Give me the coffin special.
12. a temporary, arbitrary reduction in the price of regularly stocked goods, esp. food; a particularly worthwhile offer or price: The special this week is on sirloin steaks.
13. Television. a single program not forming part of a regular series.
Origin:
1175–1225; ME (adj.) < L speciālis of a given species, equiv. to speci(ēs) species + -ālis -al 1 ; see especial

Related forms:
spe⋅cial⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
5. singular. Special, particular, specific refer to something pointed out for attention and consideration. Special means given unusual treatment because of being uncommon: a special sense of a word. Particular implies something selected from the others of its kind and set off from them for attention: a particular variety of orchid. Specific implies plain and unambiguous indication of a particular instance, example, etc.: a specific instance of cowardice.

Antonyms:
1. general.

Usage note:
In American English the adjective special is overwhelmingly more common than especial in all senses: He will be of special help if you can't understand the documentation. The reverse is true of the adverbs; here especially is by far the more common: He will be of great help, especially if you have trouble understanding the documentation. Only when the sense “specifically” is intended is specially more idiomatic: The machine was specially designed for use by a left-handed operator.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To specially
spe·cial   (spěsh'əl)   
adj.  

  1. Surpassing what is common or usual; exceptional: a special occasion; a special treat.

    1. Distinct among others of a kind: a special type of paint; a special medication for arthritis.

    2. Primary: His special satisfaction comes from volunteer work.

    3. Having a limited or specific function, application, or scope: a special role in the mission.

    4. Arranged for a particular occasion or purpose: a special visit from her daughter.

  3. Peculiar to a specific person or thing; particular: my own special chair; the special features of a computer.

    1. Having a limited or specific function, application, or scope: a special role in the mission.

    2. Arranged for a particular occasion or purpose: a special visit from her daughter.

  5. Regarded with particular affection and admiration: a special friend.

  6. Additional; extra: a special holiday flight.

n.  

  1. Something arranged, issued, or appropriated to a particular service or occasion: rode to work on the commuter special.

  2. A featured attraction, such as a reduced price: a special on salmon.

  3. A single television production that features a specific work, a given topic, or a particular performer.


[Middle English, from Old French especial, from Latin speciālis, from speciēs, kind; see species.]
spe'cial·ly adv., spe'cial·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: spe·cial
Function: adjective
1 : distinguished by some unusual quality <special circumstances justifying an award of attorney's fees>
2 : relating to a single thing or class of things : having an individual character or trait special duty not owed to the public at large>
3 a : supplemental to the regular b : assigned or provided to meet a need not covered under established procedures
4 : designed or selected for a particular purpose, occasion, or other end special jurisdiction —Cleveland v. Cleveland, 559 Pacific Reporter, Second Series 744 (1977)>
5 : containing particulars and details special pleading> —spe·cial·ly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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