You use particular to emphasize that you are talking about one thing or one kind of thing rather than other similar ones.
[emphasis]
I remembered a particular story about a postman who was a murderer.
I have to know exactly why it is I'm doing a particular job.
...if there are particular things you're interested in.
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
If a person or thing has a particular quality or possession, it is distinct and belongs only to them.
I have a particular responsibility to ensure I make the right decision.
Synonyms: special, exceptional, notable, uncommon More Synonyms of particular
3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You can use particular to emphasize that something is greater or more intense than usual.
[emphasis]
Particular emphasis will be placed on oral language training.
4. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If you say that someone is particular, you mean that they choose things and do things very carefully, and are not easily satisfied.
Ted was very particular about the colors he used. [+ about]
Synonyms: fussy, demanding, critical, exacting More Synonyms of particular
5. See also particulars
6.
See in particular
7.
See nothing in particular
More Synonyms of particular
particular in British English
(pəˈtɪkjʊlə)
adjective
1. (prenominal)
of or belonging to a single or specific person, thing, category, etc; specific; special
the particular demands of the job
no particular reason
2. (prenominal)
exceptional or marked
a matter of particular importance
3. (prenominal)
relating to or providing specific details or circumstances
a particular account
4.
exacting or difficult to please, esp in details; fussy
5.
(of the solution of a differential equation) obtained by giving specific values to the arbitrary constants in a general equation
6. logic
(of a proposition) affirming or denying something about only some members of a class of objects, as in some men are not wicked
Compare universal (sense 10)
7. property law
denoting an estate that precedes the passing of the property into ultimate ownership
See also remainder (sense 3), reversion (sense 4)
noun
8.
a separate distinct item that helps to form a generalization: opposed to general
9. (often plural)
an item of information; detail
complete in every particular
he refused to go into particulars
the police officer took down her particulars
10. logic another name for individual (sense 7a)
11. philosophy
an individual object, as contrasted with a universal
universal (sense 12b)
12. in particular
Word origin
C14: from Old French particuler, from Late Latin particulāris concerning a part, from Latin particulaparticle v
particular in American English
(pɑrˈtɪkjələr)
adjective
1.
of or belonging to a single, definite person, part, group, or thing; not general; distinct
2.
apart from any other; regarded separately; specific
to want a particular color
3.
out of the ordinary; unusual; noteworthy; special
no particular reason for going
4.
dealing with particulars; itemized; detailed
5.
not satisfied with anything considered inferior; exacting; extremely careful; fastidious
6. Logic
designating a proposition that deals with only some members of a class rather than all of them; not universal
“some people have red hair” is a particular proposition
noun
7.
a separate and distinct individual, fact, item, or instance which may be included under a generalization; single case
8.
a detail; item of information; point
9. Logic
a particular proposition
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈdainty, ˈitem, ˈspecial
Idioms:
in particular
Word origin
ME particuler < MFr < LL particularis < L particula, particle
Examples of 'particular' in a sentence
particular
There are three things in particular to worry about.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
One exhibited a particular kind of behaviour.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Castle cited one particular case in which he was suspicious.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Other experts place less emphasis on particular countries and more on selecting good individual stocks.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There is a particular reason for this just now.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
That is why they are so particular about movements and where their feet are.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They will tailor a tour especially to suit you, taking all your particular interests into account.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
A house like this needs a particular kind of configuration and furnishing.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It happens in particular places when a business like yours is set up, or takes on more people,or expands its production.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The entertainment chain will be able to see whether a particular voucher was used and, if so, when and where it was redeemed.
Computing (2010)
Though sports day is a particular kind of hell.
The Sun (2013)
Skies demand keen observation if you are to capture their particular shapes and forms.
Improve Your Landscape Painting
Do you use any particular beauty products before a big night out?
The Sun (2012)
But one in particular sticks in my mind.
The Sun (2012)
The real problem is the secretive demeanour of one particular individual.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This responsibility places a particular burden on two men.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They can change something for no particular reason and all your work becomes meaningless.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The influence of groups with direct interests in particular consumer and industrial goods can be considerable.
Tom Cannon Basic Marketing. Principles and Practice (1986)
Why did he choose these particular ways in which to plead his cause?
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
Other booksellers specialized in particular kinds of books.
Diane Purkiss The English Civil War: A People's History (2006)
It does not pay to search for logic from this particular form of the game.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The banks are also still being particular about who they lend money to.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Not just one person in particular but the whole team.
The Sun (2008)
There is no particular reason for us to keep in touch.
The Sun (2013)
The film told you something about a particular place at a particular time.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The answer was to tune their surfing to their particular interests.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It therefore generally imposes a maximum amount that it will cover for accounts with a particular credit rating.
Charles A. D'Ambrosio & Stewart D. Hodges & Richard Brealey & Stewart Myers Principles of Corporate Finance (1991)
In that sense, the atonement is universal and not particular or limited.
Christianity Today (2000)
There's one track in particular that is a surefire hit.
The Sun (2009)
Pepper in particular was widely used, with contemporary literary sources taking familiarity with the spice for granted.
Jack Turner SPICE: The History of a Temptation (2004)
Word lists with
particular
Property law terms
In other languages
particular
British English: particular /pəˈtɪkjʊlə/ ADJECTIVE
specific You use particular to emphasize that you are talking about one thing or one kind of thing rather than other similar ones.
One particular memory still upsets me.
American English: particular
Arabic: خاصٌّ
Brazilian Portuguese: especial
Chinese: 特别的
Croatian: određen
Czech: konkrétní
Danish: bestemt
Dutch: bepaald
European Spanish: particular
Finnish: erityinen
French: particulier
German: speziell
Greek: συγκεκριμένος
Italian: particolare
Japanese: 特別の
Korean: 특유의
Norwegian: bestemt
Polish: szczególny
European Portuguese: especial
Romanian: anumit
Russian: специфический
Latin American Spanish: particular
Swedish: särskild
Thai: โดยเฉพาะ
Turkish: özellik
Ukrainian: певний
Vietnamese: riêng biệt
British English: particular ADJECTIVE
careful If you say that someone is particular, you mean that they choose things and do things very carefully, and are not easily satisfied.
He was very particular about the colors he used.
American English: particular
Brazilian Portuguese: minucioso
Chinese: 专指的
European Spanish: especial
French: exigeant
German: eigen
Italian: esigente
Japanese: 特定の
Korean: 특정한
European Portuguese: minucioso
Latin American Spanish: especial
All related terms of 'particular'
in particular
You use in particular to indicate that what you are saying applies especially to one thing or person.
particular way
If you refer to a way of doing something, you are referring to how you can do it, for example the action you can take or the method you can use to achieve it.
particular average
partial damage to or loss of a ship or its cargo affecting only the shipowner or one cargo owner
particular focus
The focus of something is the main topic or main thing that it is concerned with.
particular problem
A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties for people.
particular criticism
Criticism is the action of expressing disapproval of something or someone. A criticism is a statement that expresses disapproval.
particular favourite
Your favourite thing or person of a particular type is the one you like most.
particular importance
The importance of something is its quality of being significant , valued, or necessary in a particular situation.
Particular Judgement
the estimate by God of the ultimate worthiness or unworthiness of the individual (the Particular Judgment ) or of all humankind (the General Judgment or Last Judgment )
Particular Judgment
the estimate by God of the ultimate worthiness or unworthiness of the individual (the Particular Judgment ) or of all humankind (the General Judgment or Last Judgment )
in particular terms
If you say something in particular terms , you say it using a particular type or level of language or using language which clearly shows your attitude .
nothing in particular
You use nothing in particular or nobody in particular to mean nothing or nobody important or special .
particular significance
The significance of something is the importance that it has, usually because it will have an effect on a situation or shows something about a situation.
to cut a particular figure
If you say that someone cuts a particular figure , you mean that they appear to other people in the way described .
strike a particular note/sound a particular note
If someone or something strikes a particular note or sounds a particular note , they create a particular feeling , impression , or atmosphere .
Chinese translation of 'particular'
particular
(pəˈtɪkjuləʳ)
adj
(= specific)[person, thing, time, place]特定的 (tèdìng de)
(= special) 特有的 (tèyǒu de)
(= great) 特别(別)的 (tèbié de)
in particular尤其 (yóuqí)
to be very particular about sth (= fussy, demanding) 对(對)某事很挑剔 (duì mǒushì hěn tiāotī)
Derived Forms
particularsn pl
(= details) 细(細)节(節) (xìjié)
(= name, address etc) 详(詳)情 (xiángqíng)
1 (adjective)
Definition
of, belonging to, or being one person or thing
What particular aspects of the job are you interested in?
Synonyms
specific
I asked him to be more specific.
special
It requires a very special brand of courage to fight dictators.
express
I was warned not to leave my post without express orders.
exact
I can't remember the exact words he used.
precise
We will never know the precise details of his death.
distinct
There was a distinct change in her attitude.
peculiar
We have our own peculiar way of doing things.
Opposites
general
,
vague
,
indefinite
,
unspecified
,
imprecise
,
indistinct
,
inexact
2 (adjective)
Definition
exceptional or special
This is a question of particular importance for us.Stress is a particular problem for women.
Synonyms
special
I usually reserve these outfits for special occasions.
exceptional
The courts hold that this case is exceptional.
notable
The most notable architectural feature of the town is its castle.
uncommon
Both are blessed with an uncommon ability to fix things.
marked
There has been a marked increase in crimes against property.
unusual
He was an unusual man with great business talents.
remarkable
He was a remarkable man.
singular
a smile of singular sweetness
noteworthy
None of these buildings are noteworthy for their architecture.
especial (formal)
He took especial care not to be seen to show any favouritism.
3 (adjective)
Definition
difficult to please
Ted was very particular about the colours he used.
Synonyms
fussy
She's not fussy about her food.
demanding
critical
exacting
discriminating
These products are snapped up by more discriminating customers.
meticulous
He was so meticulous about everything.
fastidious
He was fastidious about his appearance.
dainty
They cater for a range of tastes, from the dainty to the extravagant.
choosy (informal)
You can't afford to be too choosy about jobs these days.
picky (informal)
Everyone knows children are picky eaters.
finicky
Even the most finicky eater will find something to eat.
pernickety (informal)
He's very pernickety about neatness.
anal retentive
overnice
nit-picky (informal)
Opposites
easy
,
casual
,
slack
,
sloppy
,
negligent
,
indiscriminate
,
uncritical
4 (adjective)
Definition
providing specific details or circumstances
a very particular account of the history of sociology
Synonyms
detailed
a detailed account of the discussions
minute
We will have to pore over this report in minute detail.
precise
thorough
The men were expert, thorough and careful.
selective
Sales can happen, but buyers are more selective.
painstaking
Police carried out a painstaking search of the area.
circumstantial
The reasons for the project collapsing were circumstantial.
itemized
blow-by-blow
(noun)
Definition
an item of information
The nurses at the admission desk asked for her particulars.
Synonyms
detail
I recall every detail of the party.
fact
The lorries always left in the dead of night when there were few witnesses around to record the fact.
feature
a special feature on breast cancer research
item
The other item on the agenda is the tour.
circumstance
I'm making inquiries about the circumstances of the disappearance.
specification
I'd like to have a house built to my specifications.
phrase
See in particular
Additional synonyms
in the sense of choosy
Definition
fussy
You can't afford to be too choosy about jobs these days.
Synonyms
fussy,
particular,
exacting,
discriminating,
selective,
fastidious,
picky (informal),
finicky,
faddy,
nit-picky (informal)
in the sense of circumstance
Definition
an occurrence or condition that accompanies or influences a person or event
I'm making inquiries about the circumstances of the disappearance.
Synonyms
detail,
fact,
event,
particular,
respect,
factor
in the sense of circumstantial
Definition
fully detailed
The reasons for the project collapsing were circumstantial.
Synonyms
detailed,
particular,
specific
Synonyms of 'particular'
particular
Explore 'particular' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of dainty
They cater for a range of tastes, from the dainty to the extravagant.
Synonyms
particular,
nice,
refined,
fussy,
scrupulous,
fastidious,
choosy (informal),
picky (informal),
finicky,
anal retentive,
finical
in the sense of discriminating
These products are snapped up by more discriminating customers.
Synonyms
discerning,
particular,
keen,
critical,
acute,
sensitive,
refined,
cultivated,
selective,
astute,
tasteful,
fastidious
in the sense of distinct
Definition
obvious
There was a distinct change in her attitude.
Synonyms
definite,
marked,
clear,
decided,
obvious,
sharp,
plain,
apparent,
patent,
evident,
black-and-white,
manifest,
noticeable,
conspicuous,
clear-cut,
unmistakable,
palpable,
recognizable,
unambiguous,
observable,
perceptible,
appreciable
in the sense of especial
He took especial care not to be seen to show any favouritism.
Synonyms
exceptional,
marked,
special,
particular,
signal,
unusual,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
principal,
distinguished,
notable,
uncommon,
noteworthy
in the sense of exact
Definition
correct in every detail
I can't remember the exact words he used.
Synonyms
accurate,
very,
correct,
true,
particular,
right,
express,
specific,
careful,
precise,
identical,
authentic,
faithful,
explicit,
definite,
orderly,
literal,
unequivocal,
faultless,
on the money (informal),
unerring,
veracious
in the sense of exceptional
Definition
forming an exception
The courts hold that this case is exceptional.
Synonyms
unusual,
special,
odd,
strange,
rare,
extraordinary,
unprecedented,
peculiar,
abnormal,
irregular,
uncommon,
inconsistent,
singular,
deviant (old-fashioned),
anomalous,
atypical,
aberrant
in the sense of express
Definition
explicitly stated
I was warned not to leave my post without express orders.
Synonyms
explicit,
clear,
direct,
precise,
pointed,
certain,
plain,
accurate,
exact,
distinct,
definite,
outright,
unambiguous,
categorical
in the sense of fact
Definition
a piece of information
The lorries always left in the dead of night when there were few witnesses around to record the fact.
Synonyms
detail,
point,
feature,
particular,
item,
specific,
circumstance
in the sense of fastidious
Definition
paying great attention to neatness, detail, and order
He was fastidious about his appearance.
Synonyms
particular,
meticulous,
fussy,
overdelicate,
difficult,
nice,
critical,
discriminating,
dainty,
squeamish,
choosy (informal),
picky (informal),
hard to please,
finicky,
punctilious (formal),
pernickety,
hypercritical,
overnice,
nit-picky (informal)
in the sense of feature
Definition
a prominent story in a newspaper
a special feature on breast cancer research
Synonyms
article,
report,
story,
piece,
comment,
item,
column
Additional synonyms
in the sense of finicky
Definition
overelaborate or ornate
Even the most finicky eater will find something to eat.
Synonyms
fussy,
difficult,
particular,
hard to please,
critical,
scrupulous,
fastidious,
dainty,
squeamish,
choosy (informal),
picky (informal),
nit-picking (informal),
finicking,
overnice,
overparticular,
nit-picky (informal)
in the sense of item
Definition
a single thing in a list or collection
The other item on the agenda is the tour.
Synonyms
matter,
point,
issue,
case,
question,
concern,
detail,
subject,
feature,
particular,
affair,
aspect,
entry,
theme,
consideration,
topic
in the sense of marked
Definition
obvious or noticeable
There has been a marked increase in crimes against property.
Synonyms
noticeable,
clear,
decided,
striking,
noted,
obvious,
signal,
dramatic,
considerable,
outstanding,
remarkable,
apparent,
prominent,
patent,
evident,
distinct,
pronounced,
notable,
manifest,
blatant,
conspicuous,
salient
in the sense of meticulous
Definition
very precise about details
He was so meticulous about everything.
Synonyms
thorough,
detailed,
particular,
strict,
exact,
precise,
microscopic,
fussy,
painstaking,
perfectionist,
scrupulous,
fastidious,
punctilious,
nit-picky (informal)
in the sense of minute
Definition
precise or detailed
We will have to pore over this report in minute detail.
Synonyms
precise,
close,
detailed,
critical,
exact,
meticulous,
exhaustive,
painstaking,
punctilious (formal)
in the sense of notable
Definition
worthy of being noted
The most notable architectural feature of the town is its castle.
Synonyms
remarkable,
marked,
striking,
unusual,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
evident,
pronounced,
memorable,
noticeable,
uncommon,
conspicuous,
salient,
noteworthy
in the sense of noteworthy
Definition
worth noting
None of these buildings are noteworthy for their architecture.
Synonyms
remarkable,
interesting,
important,
significant,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
exceptional,
notable
in the sense of painstaking
Definition
extremely careful and thorough
Police carried out a painstaking search of the area.
Synonyms
thorough,
careful,
meticulous,
earnest,
exacting,
strenuous,
conscientious,
persevering,
diligent,
scrupulous,
industrious,
assiduous,
thoroughgoing,
punctilious (formal),
sedulous
in the sense of peculiar
Definition
distinct or special
We have our own peculiar way of doing things.
Synonyms
special,
private,
individual,
personal,
particular,
unique,
characteristic,
distinguishing,
distinct,
signature,
idiosyncratic
in the sense of pernickety
Definition
excessively fussy about details
He's very pernickety about neatness.
Synonyms
fussy,
particular,
careful,
exacting,
carping,
painstaking,
fastidious,
picky (informal),
nit-picking (informal),
finicky,
punctilious (formal),
anal retentive,
difficult to please,
hairsplitting,
overprecise,
nit-picky (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of picky
Definition
fussy
Everyone knows children are picky eaters.
Synonyms
fussy,
particular,
critical,
carping,
fastidious,
dainty,
choosy (informal),
finicky,
cavilling,
pernickety (informal),
fault-finding,
captious,
nit-picky (informal)
in the sense of precise
Definition
particular or exact
We will never know the precise details of his death.
Synonyms
exact,
specific,
actual,
particular,
express,
fixed,
correct,
absolute,
accurate,
explicit,
definite,
clear-cut,
literal,
unequivocal,
surgical
in the sense of remarkable
Definition
striking or extraordinary
He was a remarkable man.
Synonyms
extraordinary,
striking,
outstanding,
famous,
odd,
strange,
wonderful,
signal,
rare,
unusual,
impressive,
surprising,
distinguished,
prominent,
notable,
phenomenal,
uncommon,
conspicuous,
singular,
miraculous,
noteworthy,
pre-eminent
in the sense of selective
Definition
tending to choose carefully or characterized by careful choice
Sales can happen, but buyers are more selective.
Synonyms
particular,
demanding,
discriminating,
critical,
careful,
exacting,
cautious,
discerning,
astute,
discriminatory,
fussy,
tasteful,
fastidious,
choosy (informal),
picky (informal),
pernickety
in the sense of singular
Definition
remarkable
a smile of singular sweetness
Synonyms
remarkable,
unique,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
exceptional,
rare,
notable,
eminent,
uncommon,
conspicuous,
prodigious,
unparalleled,
noteworthy
in the sense of specification
Definition
a requirement or detail which is clearly stated
I'd like to have a house built to my specifications.
Synonyms
requirement,
detail,
particular,
stipulation,
condition,
qualification
in the sense of thorough
Definition
(of a person) painstakingly careful
The men were expert, thorough and careful.
Synonyms
careful,
conscientious,
painstaking,
efficient,
meticulous,
exhaustive,
scrupulous,
assiduous
in the sense of uncommon
Definition
in excess of what is normal
Both are blessed with an uncommon ability to fix things.
Synonyms
extraordinary,
rare,
remarkable,
special,
outstanding,
superior,
distinctive,
exceptional,
unprecedented,
notable,
singular,
unparalleled,
noteworthy,
inimitable,
incomparable
in the sense of unusual
Definition
uncommon or extraordinary
He was an unusual man with great business talents.