Exceptional vs. Special — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 3, 2023
Exceptional refers to being unusual in a positive way and outstanding in quality, while special implies being distinctly individual or unique, often due to rarity or specific qualities.
Difference Between Exceptional and Special
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Exceptional specifically pertains to something that is rare, extraordinary, and surpasses the usual or normal standards, often due to outstanding qualities or abilities. Special, however, encompasses that which is distinctly individual or different from the ordinary, usually due to specific attributes or a unique significance attributed to it.
Exceptional usually carries connotations of superiority and exceptionalness in terms of quality, skill, or talent, pointing towards exceeding the norms or averages. Special can imply uniqueness without necessarily surpassing others in quality or value; it often signifies importance, sentimental value, or distinction from the rest.
In everyday language, something or someone is termed exceptional when they exhibit extraordinary abilities, qualities, or achievements, standing out distinctly above the rest. In contrast, referring to something or someone as special often highlights a unique significance, emotional connection, or a distinguished nature, irrespective of comparison with others.
While exceptional is often used to describe outstanding performance, unparalleled skills, or exemplary qualities, special is more versatile, used to describe a range of unique and individual circumstances, attributes, or emotional connections. It can imply uniqueness, importance, or a departure from the norm, without necessarily implying superiority.
Whether exceptional or special, both terms denote a deviation from the ordinary, but while exceptional consistently implies a positive outlier in terms of quality or ability, special emphasizes distinctiveness and individuality, with a broader range of applications and implications.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Surpassing the usual or normal standards due to outstanding qualities or abilities.
Distinctly individual or different, usually due to specific attributes or unique significance.
Connotation
Implies superiority and extraordinary quality or talent.
Implies uniqueness and importance, often due to rarity or specific qualities.
Comparison
Denotes outstanding or unparalleled in comparison to others.
Denotes uniqueness or importance without necessarily being superior.
Application
Often used to describe abilities, performances, or qualities.
Versatile in application, describing individuality, importance, or emotional significance.
Emotional Connection
Primarily associated with objective measures of quality or ability.
Can imply a deeper, subjective, or emotional connection or significance.
Compare with Definitions
Exceptional
Exceptional can refer to being rare or unparalleled.
The discovery of the artifact was an exceptional event in archeological circles.
Special
Surpassing what is common or usual; exceptional
A special occasion.
A special treat.
Exceptional
Exceptional means surpassing the usual or normal standards.
Her exceptional skills in negotiation resolved the conflict swiftly.
Special
Distinct among others of a kind
A special type of paint.
A special medication for arthritis.
Exceptional
Being an exception; uncommon
This town is exceptional for the region in having a high tax rate.
Special
Primary
His special satisfaction comes from volunteer work.
Exceptional
Well above average; extraordinary
An exceptional memory.
Special
Peculiar to a specific person or thing; particular
My own special chair.
The special features of a computer.
Exceptional
Deviating widely from a norm, as of physical or mental ability
Special educational provisions for exceptional children.
Special
Having a limited or specific function, application, or scope
A special role in the mission.
Exceptional
Forming an exception; not ordinary; uncommon; rare.
What an exceptional flower!
Special
Arranged for a particular occasion or purpose
A special visit from her daughter.
Exceptional
Better than the average; superior due to exception or rarity.
The quality of the beer was exceptional.
Special
Regarded with particular affection and admiration
A special friend.
Exceptional
(geometry) Corresponding to something of lower dimension under a birational correspondence.
An exceptional curve; an exceptional divisor
Special
Additional; extra
A special holiday flight.
Exceptional
An exception, or something having an exceptional value
Special
Something arranged, issued, or appropriated to a particular service or occasion
Rode to work on the commuter special.
Exceptional
Forming an exception; not ordinary; uncommon; rare; hence, better than the average; superior.
This particular spot had exceptional advantages.
Special
A featured attraction, such as a reduced price
A special on salmon.
Exceptional
Far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree;
A night of exceeding darkness
An exceptional memory
Olympian efforts to save the city from bankruptcy
The young Mozart's prodigious talents
Special
A single television production that features a specific work, a given topic, or a particular performer.
Exceptional
Surpassing what is common or usual or expected;
He paid especial attention to her
Exceptional kindness
A matter of particular and unusual importance
A special occasion
A special reason to confide in her
What's so special about the year 2000?
Special
Distinguished by a unique or unusual quality.
A special episode of a television series
Exceptional
Deviating widely from a norm of physical or mental ability; used especially of children below normal in intelligence;
Special educational provisions for exceptional children
Special
Of particular personal interest or value; dear; beloved.
Everyone is special to someone.
Exceptional
Exceptional implies extraordinary quality or ability.
The chef’s exceptional culinary talent earned him a Michelin star.
Special
(euphemistic) Of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities.
Special education, special needs
He goes to a special school.
Exceptional
Exceptional denotes outstanding performance or achievement.
His exceptional performance secured the team's victory.
Special
Constituting or relating to a species.
Exceptional
Exceptional suggests superiority in quality, talent, or skill.
The artist’s exceptional attention to detail is evident in his intricate paintings.
Special
Chief in excellence.
Special
(military) Of or related to unconventional warfare.
Special forces, special operations
Special
A reduction in consumer cost (usually for a limited time) for items or services rendered.
We're running a special on turkey for Thanksgiving.
Special
One of a rotation of meals systematically offered for a lower price at a restaurant.
Today's special is our tuna melt on rye.
Special
(broadcasting) Unusual or exceptional episode of a series.
Did you see the Christmas special?
Special
A special constable.
Special
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.
Special
Any unlicensed medicine produced or obtained for a specific individual patient.
Special
(journalism) A correspondent; a journalist sent to the scene of an event to report back.
Special
(journalism) A dispatch sent back by a special correspondent.
Special
(theater) A light that illuminates a specific person or thing on the stage.
Special
(law) A person appointed specifically to examine a single event or issue.
For the few times the U.S. Supreme Court has to actually try a case, they will appoint a special master to do so.
After the Watergate break in, a special prosecutor was appointed.
Special
(nursing) To supervise a patient one-on-one.
Special
Of or pertaining to a species; constituting a species or sort.
A special is called by the schools a "species".
Special
Particular; peculiar; different from others; extraordinary; uncommon.
Our Savior is represented everywhere in Scripture as the special patron of the poor and the afficted.
To this special evil an improvement of style would apply a special redress.
Special
Appropriate; designed for a particular purpose, occasion, or person; as, a special act of Parliament or of Congress; a special sermon.
Special
Limited in range; confined to a definite field of action, investigation, or discussion; as, a special dictionary of commercial terms; a special branch of study.
Special
Chief in excellence.
The king hath drawnThe special head of all the land together.
Special
A particular.
Special
One appointed for a special service or occasion.
Special
A special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising;
They are having a special on pork chops
Special
A dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant
Special
A television production that features a particular person or work or topic;
The last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight
Special
Unique or specific to a person or thing or category;
The particular demands of the job
Has a paraticular preference for Chinese art
A peculiar bond of sympathy between them
An expression peculiar to Canadians
Rights peculiar to the rich
The special features of a computer
My own special chair
Special
For a special service or occasion;
A special correspondent
A special adviser to the committee
Had to get special permission for the event
Special
Surpassing what is common or usual or expected;
He paid especial attention to her
Exceptional kindness
A matter of particular and unusual importance
A special occasion
A special reason to confide in her
What's so special about the year 2000?
Special
Adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose;
A special kind of paint
A special medication for arthritis
Special
Having a specific function or scope;
A special (or specific) role in the mission
Special
First and most important;
His special interest is music
She gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work
Special
Added to a regular schedule;
A special holiday flight
Put on special buses for the big game
Special
Special means being distinct or unique.
This is a special place for us; we had our first date here.
Special
Special implies having a specific significance or purpose.
The designer created a special line of clothing for the event.
Special
Special denotes possessing particular or individual qualities.
He has a special way of making everyone feel included.
Special
Special can signify importance due to rarity or individuality.
The rare bird is considered very special among ornithologists.
Special
Special often refers to a distinguished or individual nature.
She received a special award for her charitable work.
Common Curiosities
Can something be special but not exceptional?
Yes, something can be special due to its unique significance or specific qualities without necessarily being exceptional in terms of surpassing usual standards.
What is the meaning of special?
Special means being distinctly individual or unique, usually due to rarity, specific attributes, or unique significance.
Does exceptional always refer to talent or skills?
While often used to describe extraordinary talents or skills, exceptional can refer to anything that surpasses normal standards in any domain, such as quality or rarity.
Can a day be considered special?
Yes, a day can be considered special due to its significance, like birthdays or anniversaries, or due to unique events occurring on that day.
Does exceptional refer to rarity?
Yes, exceptional often refers to something that is rare or uncommon due to its outstanding qualities or abilities.
Does exceptional always imply a positive connotation?
Exceptional generally has a positive connotation, implying superiority or extraordinary quality, but can occasionally refer to a negative outlier in specific contexts.
What does exceptional mean?
Exceptional refers to something that surpasses the usual or normal standards, often due to outstanding qualities or abilities.
Can a special object be ordinary in appearance?
Yes, an object can be special due to sentimental value, significance, or specific attributes, even if it appears ordinary.
How is exceptional used in everyday language?
In everyday language, exceptional is often used to describe something or someone possessing extraordinary qualities, abilities, or achievements, standing out distinctly above the rest.
Can something be special due to emotional connection?
Absolutely, something can be deemed special due to sentimental value or a deep emotional connection.
Can an exceptional individual be considered special?
Yes, an exceptional individual can be considered special due to their extraordinary abilities, qualities, or achievements.
Can the term special be used in formal contexts?
Yes, the term special can be used in formal contexts to denote specific significance, distinct roles, or unique attributes.
Can exceptional relate to extreme conditions?
Yes, exceptional can describe conditions or occurrences that are extraordinary or extreme, either positively or negatively.
Can special imply rarity?
Yes, special often implies rarity, denoting something uncommon or unique due to specific attributes or significance.
Is special subjective?
Special can be subjective, as it may denote individual significance, emotional connection, or personal value, varying from person to person.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
