What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Unusual vs Special - What's the difference?

unusual | special |

As adjectives the difference between unusual and special

is that unusual is unlike what is expected; differing in some way from the norm while special is distinguished by a unique or unusual quality.

As a noun special is

a reduction in consumer cost (usually for a limited time) for items or services rendered.

unusual

English

Alternative forms

* unusuall (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Unlike what is expected; differing in some way from the norm.
  • *
    • , title=(The Celebrity), chapter=2 , passage=I had occasion […] to make a somewhat long business trip to Chicago, and on my return […] I found Farrar awaiting me in the railway station. He smiled his wonted fraction by way of greeting, […], and finally leading me to his buggy, turned and drove out of town. I was completely mystified at such an unusual proceeding.}}
  • Not usual.

    • Synonyms

    * (different from the expected) abnormal, rare, strange, weird, (stronger) extraordinary ** See also

    Antonyms

    * (different from the expected) normal, usual

    special

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Distinguished by a unique or unusual quality.
    • a special episode of a television series
  • Of particular interest or value; certain; dear; beloved; favored.
    • Everyone is special to someone.
  • (euphemistic, derogatory) Retarded; mentally handicapped
    • He goes to a special school.
  • Constituting or relating to a species.
    • The seven dark spots is a special property unique to ''Coccinella septempunctata''.
  • Chief in excellence.
  • * Shakespeare
    • The king hath drawn / The special head of all the land together.

    Derived terms

    * special attack * special constable * special defense * special delivery * special education / special ed * special forces * specialisation / specialization * specialise / specialize * specialist * speciality, specialty * specially * specialness * Special Olympics * special ops

    Related terms

    * especial * especially

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A reduction in consumer cost (usually for a limited time) for items or services rendered.
    • We're running a special on turkey for Thanksgiving.
  • (broadcasting) Unusual or exceptional episode of a series
  • (British, colloquial) A special constable.
  • Anything that is not according to normal practice, plan, or schedule, as an unscheduled run of transportation that is normally scheduled.
    • Thousands came to see the special that carried the President's coffin.
  • (video games) special move
  • * 1995 , "Tony Pordon", Tekken Review [PSX]'' (on newsgroup ''rec.games.video.misc )
    • Using the right moves, you can sometimes chain 2 specials in a row to form multiple hit combos.

    Statistics

    *

    Anagrams

    * English aphaeretic forms 1000 English basic words ----