specialis
[spɛ.kiˈaː.lɪs]
The English word "special" is translated into Latin as specialis.
specialis is used to describe something of particular interest, value or a certain kind. It can also mean dear, beloved or favored.
Meaning: of particular interest or value, certain, dear, beloved, favored (adj)
Which one should you use?
While specialis implies something of a specific kind or particular nature, it is often used in technical or philosophical contexts to distinguish a specific species or type from a general one.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective specialis follows the first and second declension patterns, meaning its endings will change based on the gender and case of the noun it modifies. The forms specialis, speciali and speciale are used for singular nouns. For plural nouns, use speciales for masculine and feminine nouns and specialia for neuter nouns.
Did you know?
- While specialis describes a specific type, Latin has the word singularis for something that is 'special' because it is the only one of its kind.
- The root 'species' in 'specialis' originally referred to a 'visible appearance' or 'form' before it meant a biological type.
- In Roman law, a 'special' remedy was not necessarily a better one, but a 'specialis' action that could only be used for one specific type of legal claim.
Examples in context
- Illud est aliquid eximium.That is something exceptional.
- Hic locus est specialis.This place is special.
- Amicus specialis mihi est.He is a special friend to me.
- Tua cura specialis est.Your care is special.
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are discussing a gift.
- MarcusCur hunc anulum mihi dedisti?Why did you give me this ring?
- AureliaQuia tu es mihi amica specialis.Because you are a special friend to me.
- MarcusGratias tibi ago, Marce.Thank you, Marcus.
- AureliaLibenter tibi dedi.I gave it to you gladly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry specialis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
