ADJECTIVE
1_not ordinary or usual; different from what is normal
syn: exceptional
the school will only allow this in special circumstances.
2_more important than others; deserving or getting more atention than usual.
what are your special interests?
3_organized or intended for a particular purpose
a special event
4_used by or intended for one particular person or group of people
she has a special way of smiling
5_better or more than usual
as an only child she got special attention
NOUN
1_something that is not usually available but is provided for a particular purpose or on one occasion.
an election-night special on television.
2_a price for a particular product in a shop, store or restaurant that is lower than usual.
there`s a special on coffe this week.
1_
especial:
ADJECTIVE
greater or better than usual: special in some way or for a particular group.
a matter of especial importance
3
specially or especially?
especially usually means "particularly" -she loves all sports, especially swimming-it is not placed first in a sentence -I especially like sweet things- NOT-- especially I like ....THIS IS WRONG
specially usually means "for a particular purpose" and is often followed by a past participle, such as designed, developed or made -a course specially designed to meet your needs- she has her clothes specially made in paris-
The adjective for both
OK... ideas:
"special" is said to be american english, informal or slang.
It can be used as a noun.
I took the next example from wordreference (leonious)
1. I made this cake especially for you.
2. I made this cake specially for you.
Segun entiendo(elvio), ejemplo 1: hice la torta especialmente para vos...si alguien mas come, realmente no me imoprta. Ejemplo 2 hice la torta de una manera especial ( le puse frutillas al medio por que se que te gustan) tambien pensando en vos, pero cono otro sentido. se entiende?
Sentence (1) is most common and means that I baked this cake with you in mind. I want you, before anyone else, to try this cake.
Sentence (2) is slightly different. It means I made the cake using a special recipe (or using some secret ingredient). You are still the reason I made the cake, in fact I used the special recipe just because I knew you were going to eat it.
The bit about the cake being made in a special way is not implied in the first sentence, but it is in the second sentence. The difference is subtle, but it exists. Convinced?
from:http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=6306&highlight=special
Especially or Specially?
This is a favorite question of grammar checkers. Most of the time there is little or no difference between the words especially and specially.
Special is a common adjective. Specially is its adverb form. Special means "particular, distinguished in a distinct way, or designed for a particular purpose." Specially means "particularly, in a disintguishing manner, or for a particular purpose."
Especial is an uncommon adjective. Especially, its adverb form, is much more common. Especial means "exceptional, noteworthy, or particular." Especially means "exceptionally, in a noteworthy manner, or particularly."
In the sense of "particular" or "particularly," the words mean pretty much the same thing. Often they can be used synonymously. However, if you want to stress the exceptional or noteworthy quality, then especial or especially is a better choice. If you want to stress the distinctive purpose of something, then special or specially is the word you are looking for.
Example: This program has specially designed macros for word processors.(A distinctive purpose)
Example: He did especially well in All-Star Game.
(A noteworthy performance)
from:http://englishplus.com/grammar/00000287.htm
