Meaning and Origin
What does the name Special mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Special
User Submitted Origins
English
55%
Hindu
25%
African
20%
User Submitted Meanings
- A user from India says the name Special is of Hindu origin and means "Beautiful".
- A submission from Iraq says the name Special means "Beauty".
- A submission from Morocco says the name Special means "the virgin mary".
- A user from the United Arab Emirates says the name Special is of Islamic / Muslim origin and means "Light".
- A user from Netherlands says the name Special is of African origin and means "Bless us".
International Interest
Also see international interest
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
adjective Spe"cial
Senses
- Of or pertaining to a species; constituting a species or sort."A special is called by the schools a “species”." [I. Watts.]
- Particular; peculiar; different from others; extraordinary; uncommon."Our Savior is represented everywhere in Scripture as the special patron of the poor and the afficted." [Atterbury.]"To this special evil an improvement of style would apply a special redress." [De Quincey.]
- Appropriate; designed for a particular purpose, occasion, or person; as, a special act of Parliament or of Congress; a special sermon.
- Limited in range; confined to a definite field of action, investigation, or discussion; as, a special dictionary of commercial terms; a special branch of study.
- Chief in excellence.(Obs)"The king hath drawn The special head of all the land together." [Shak.]synonyms: Peculiar; appropriate; specific; dictinctive; particular; exceptional; singular. See Peculiar.
Etymology: L. specialis, fr. species a particular sort, kind, or quality: cf. F. spécial. See Species, and cf. Especial
noun Spe"cial
Senses
- A particular.(Obs)
- One appointed for a special service or occasion.
Other Dictionary Sources
- A television production that features a particular person or work or topic ("the last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight")
- A special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising ("they are having a special on pork chops")
- A dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant
- Surpassing what is common or usual or expected ("he paid especial attention to her", "a special occasion", "a special reason to confide in her", and "what's so special about the year 2000?")
- Having a specific function or scope ("a special (or specific) role in the mission")
- Unique or specific to a person or thing or category ("the special features of a computer" and "my own special chair")
- For a special service or occasion ("a special correspondent", "a special adviser to the committee", and "had to get special permission for the event")
- First and most important ("his special interest is music" and "she gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work")
- Adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose ("a special kind of paint" and "a special medication for arthritis")
- Added to a regular schedule ("a special holiday flight" and "put on special buses for the big game")
Wiktionary
From Middle English *special, especial, especiall, from Old French especial (whence also French spécial), from Latin specialis (from species, speciei).
- A reduction in consumer cost (usually for a limited time) for items or services rendered.
- We're running a on turkey for Thanksgiving.
- One of a rotation of meals systematically offered for a lower price at a restaurant.
- Today's is our tuna melt on rye.
- (broadcasting) Unusual or exceptional episode of a series.
- Did you see the Christmas ?
- (Britain, colloquial) A special constable.
- Anything that is not according to normal practice, plan, or schedule, as an unscheduled run of transportation that is normally scheduled.
- Thousands came to see the that carried the President's coffin.
- Any unlicensed medicine produced or obtained for a specific individual patient.
- (journalism) A correspondent; a journalist sent to the scene of an event to report back.
- (journalism) A dispatch sent back by a special correspondent.
- (theater) A light that illuminates a specific person or thing on the stage.
special was also found in the following language(s): Dutch and Middle French