(usually used in plural form 'specifics') Plural for a distinguishing attribute. The small, precise, or trivial details of something. The minute details or particulars of something that is intricate. However, special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own. Information or data about a subject or topic. In some situations, the words special and specific are roughly equivalent. The synonyms particular and specific are sometimes interchangeable, but particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual.Ī ballet step of particular difficulty When is it sensible to use special instead of specific? Valued each individual opinion When could particular be used to replace specific? Oct 31. While the synonyms individual and specific are close in meaning, individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group. A synonym is a word, morpheme, or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word, morpheme, or phrase in a given language. If the answer you have linked to does the thing you want once, but you need to do it more than once, what would you do r.ook. The words especial and specific can be used in similar contexts, but especial may add implications of preeminence or preference.Ī matter of especial importance When can individual be used instead of specific? While all these words mean "of or relating to one thing or class," specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species.Ĭhildren with specific nutritional needs Where would especial be a reasonable alternative to specific? Some common synonyms of specific are especial, individual, particular, and special. Frequently Asked Questions About specific How does the adjective specific differ from other similar words?