special: [13] Latin speciēs originally denoted the ‘outward aspect’, the ‘look’ of something (it was derived from specere ‘look’, source of English spectacle, spectator, spy, etc). It later evolved metaphorically to ‘type, kind’, and in that sense was adopted by English as species [16] (spice is ultimately the same word). From it was derived the adjective speciālis ‘of a particular type’, which has given English special (especial [14] came via Old French especial). Other derivatives have given English specific [17], specify [13], specimen [17], and specious [17] (from Latin speciōsus ‘good-looking’). => spectacle, spectator, spice, spy
c. 1200, "better than ordinary," from Old French special, especial "special, particular, unusual" (12c., Modern French spécial) and directly from Latin specialis "individual, particular" (source also of Spanish especial, Italian speziale), from species "appearance, kind, sort" (see species).
Meaning "marked off from others by some distinguishing quality" is recorded from c. 1300; that of "limited as to function, operation, or purpose" is from 14c. Special effects first attested 1951. Special interests in U.S. political sense is from 1910. Special pleading first recorded 1680s, a term that had a sound legal meaning once but now is used generally and imprecisely. Special education in reference to those whose learning is impeded by some mental or physical handicap is from 1972.
"sweetheart, lover; special person or thing," c. 1300, from special (adj.) or from noun use of the adjective in Old French. Meaning "special train" is attested from 1866.
双语例句
1. A special locking system means the door cannot be opened accidentally.
特殊的锁定系统使门不会被意外打开。
来自柯林斯例句
2. His immediate superior has singled him out for a special mention.
他的顶头上司特别提到了他。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Her cousin, a hairdresser, was perming her hair as a special treat.
她表兄是美发师，正在免费给她烫发。
来自柯林斯例句
4. A special dispensation may be obtained from the domestic union concerned.
从国内相关的工会那儿或许能得到一项特许。
来自柯林斯例句
5. The direct marketing industry has become adept at packaging special offers.
