The authorities took especial interest in him because of his trade union work.
More Synonyms of especial
especial in British English
(ɪˈspɛʃəl)
adjective(prenominal)
1.
unusual; notable; exceptional
he paid especial attention to her that evening
2.
applying to one person or thing in particular; not general; specific; peculiar
he had an especial dislike of relatives
▶ USAGE Especial and especially have a more limited use than special and specially. Special is always used in preference to especial when the sense is one of being out of the ordinary: a special lesson; he has been specially trained. Special is also used when something is referred to as being for a particular purpose: the word was specially underlined for you. Where an idea of pre-eminence or individuality is involved, either especial or special may be used: he is my especial (or special) friend; he is especially (or specially) good at his job. In informal English, however, special is usually preferred in all contexts
Word origin
C14: from Old French, from Latin speciālis individual; see special
especial in American English
(ɛˈspɛʃəl; ɪˈspɛʃəl)
adjective
special; particular; outstanding; exceptional
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈspecial
Word origin
ME & OFr < L specialis
Examples of 'especial' in a sentence
especial
Hooch grunted, gently, under his breath, as if this comment had an especial significance for him, personally.
Nicola Barker BEHINDLINGS (2002)
1 (adjective)
(formal)
He took especial care not to be seen to show any favouritism.
Synonyms
exceptional
His piano playing is exceptional.
marked
There has been a marked increase in crimes against property.
special
I usually reserve these outfits for special occasions.
particular
This is a question of particular importance for us.
Stress is a particular problem for women.
signal
unusual
He was an unusual man with great business talents.
extraordinary
He is an extraordinary musician.
outstanding
an outstanding tennis player
principal
distinguished
a distinguished gentleman
notable
The most notable architectural feature of the town is its castle.
uncommon
Both are blessed with an uncommon ability to fix things.
noteworthy
None of these buildings are noteworthy for their architecture.
2 (adjective)
This was Jim's especial foible.
Synonyms
particular
What particular aspects of the job are you interested in?
special
It requires a very special brand of courage to fight dictators.
private
He has had to sell his private plane.
individual
We develop our own individual style of writing.
personal
That's my personal property!
express
I bought the camera with the express purpose of taking nature photos.
specific
the specific needs of the individual
exclusive
Infatuations are not exclusive to the very young.
unique
The area has its own unique language, Catalan.
peculiar
We have our own peculiar way of doing things.
singular
Additional synonyms
in the sense of distinguished
Definition
highly respected
a distinguished gentleman
Synonyms
marked,
striking,
signal,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
conspicuous
in the sense of exclusive
Infatuations are not exclusive to the very young.
Synonyms
limited,
unique,
restricted,
confined,
peculiar
in the sense of express
Definition
deliberate and specific
I bought the camera with the express purpose of taking nature photos.