Etymology Map
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Special

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means better or different from usual

Where does the word "special" come from? It comes from Latin specialis, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
specialis
Latin · ancient
"individual, particular"
from 'species', kind
2
Stage 2 of 3
especial
Old French · medieval
"special"
'especial' survives in 'especially'
3
Stage 3 of 3
special
English · 1200s
"particular"
'special effects' dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

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.