[ad_1] adjective
- special; exceptional; outstanding: of no especial importance; an especial friend.
- of a particular kind, or peculiar to a particular one; particular: your especial case.
adjective (prenominal)
- unusual; notable; exceptionalhe paid especial attention to her that evening
- applying to one person or thing in particular; not general; specific; peculiarhe had an especial dislike of relatives
late 14c., from Old French especial “pre-eminent, important,” from Latin specialis “belonging to a particular kind or species,” from species “kind” (see species).
Latin words with initial sp-, st-, sc- usually acquired an e- when borrowed by Old French. Modern French has restored the word to spécial. Originally with the same sense as special, later restricted to feelings, qualities, etc.