Distinguished by some particular quality; being in some way superior; outstanding or noteworthy; of special importance or value.
From Old French especial, from Latin specialis (relating to a particular kind), derived from species (kind, appearance). The word entered Middle English through French legal and religious terminology.
English has both 'special' and 'especial'—they're the same word but 'especial' sounds fancier and older because it preserves the French pronunciation, making it feel more formal or literary!
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