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Where does the word "special" come from? It comes from Latin specialis, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
Read the full story
Where does the word "special" come from? It comes from Latin specialis, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
Special’s story begins in Latin: specialis meant “individual, particular.” From 'species', kind. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as especial. 'especial' survives in 'especially'. It reached English by 1200s as special. 'special effects' dates from the 1900s. Today, special means better or different from usual.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient specialis "individual, particular", from 'species', kind.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval especial "special", 'especial' survives in 'especially'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1200s special "particular", 'special effects' dates from the 1900s.