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

➝ Key Differences ➝ Comparison Chart ➝ Definitions ➝ FAQs

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Key Differences

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.

Oct 03, 2023

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.

Oct 03, 2023

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.

Oct 03, 2023

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.

Oct 03, 2023

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.

Oct 03, 2023

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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.

Oct 03, 2023

Connotation

Implies superiority and extraordinary quality or talent.

Implies uniqueness and importance, often due to rarity or specific qualities.

Oct 03, 2023

Comparison

Denotes outstanding or unparalleled in comparison to others.

Denotes uniqueness or importance without necessarily being superior.

Oct 03, 2023

Application

Often used to describe abilities, performances, or qualities.

Versatile in application, describing individuality, importance, or emotional significance.

Oct 03, 2023

Emotional Connection

Primarily associated with objective measures of quality or ability.

Can imply a deeper, subjective, or emotional connection or significance.

Oct 03, 2023

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Definitions

Exceptional

Exceptional can refer to being rare or unparalleled.

The discovery of the artifact was an exceptional event in archeological circles.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Surpassing what is common or usual; exceptional

A special occasion.

A special treat.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

Exceptional means surpassing the usual or normal standards.

Her exceptional skills in negotiation resolved the conflict swiftly.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Distinct among others of a kind

A special type of paint.

A special medication for arthritis.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

Being an exception; uncommon

This town is exceptional for the region in having a high tax rate.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Primary

His special satisfaction comes from volunteer work.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

Well above average; extraordinary

An exceptional memory.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Peculiar to a specific person or thing; particular

My own special chair.

The special features of a computer.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

Deviating widely from a norm, as of physical or mental ability

Special educational provisions for exceptional children.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Having a limited or specific function, application, or scope

A special role in the mission.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

Forming an exception; not ordinary; uncommon; rare.

What an exceptional flower!

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Arranged for a particular occasion or purpose

A special visit from her daughter.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

Better than the average; superior due to exception or rarity.

The quality of the beer was exceptional.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Regarded with particular affection and admiration

A special friend.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

(geometry) Corresponding to something of lower dimension under a birational correspondence.

An exceptional curve; an exceptional divisor

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Additional; extra

A special holiday flight.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

An exception, or something having an exceptional value

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Something arranged, issued, or appropriated to a particular service or occasion

Rode to work on the commuter special.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

Forming an exception; not ordinary; uncommon; rare; hence, better than the average; superior.

This particular spot had exceptional advantages.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

A featured attraction, such as a reduced price

A special on salmon.

Sep 29, 2023

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

Sep 29, 2023

Special

A single television production that features a specific work, a given topic, or a particular performer.

Sep 29, 2023

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?

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Distinguished by a unique or unusual quality.

A special episode of a television series

Sep 29, 2023

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

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Of particular personal interest or value; dear; beloved.

Everyone is special to someone.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

Exceptional implies extraordinary quality or ability.

The chef’s exceptional culinary talent earned him a Michelin star.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

(euphemistic) Of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities.

Special education, special needs

He goes to a special school.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

Exceptional denotes outstanding performance or achievement.

His exceptional performance secured the team's victory.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Constituting or relating to a species.

Sep 29, 2023

Exceptional

Exceptional suggests superiority in quality, talent, or skill.

The artist’s exceptional attention to detail is evident in his intricate paintings.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Chief in excellence.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

(military) Of or related to unconventional warfare.

Special forces, special operations

Sep 29, 2023

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.

Sep 29, 2023

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.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

(broadcasting) Unusual or exceptional episode of a series.

Did you see the Christmas special?

Sep 29, 2023

Special

A special constable.

Sep 29, 2023

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.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Any unlicensed medicine produced or obtained for a specific individual patient.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

(journalism) A correspondent; a journalist sent to the scene of an event to report back.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

(journalism) A dispatch sent back by a special correspondent.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

(theater) A light that illuminates a specific person or thing on the stage.

Sep 29, 2023

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.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

(nursing) To supervise a patient one-on-one.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Of or pertaining to a species; constituting a species or sort.

A special is called by the schools a "species".

Sep 29, 2023

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.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Appropriate; designed for a particular purpose, occasion, or person; as, a special act of Parliament or of Congress; a special sermon.

Sep 29, 2023

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.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Chief in excellence.

The king hath drawnThe special head of all the land together.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

A particular.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

One appointed for a special service or occasion.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

A special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising;

They are having a special on pork chops

Sep 29, 2023

Special

A dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant

Sep 29, 2023

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

Sep 29, 2023

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

Sep 29, 2023

Special

For a special service or occasion;

A special correspondent

A special adviser to the committee

Had to get special permission for the event

Sep 29, 2023

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?

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose;

A special kind of paint

A special medication for arthritis

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Having a specific function or scope;

A special (or specific) role in the mission

Sep 29, 2023

Special

First and most important;

His special interest is music

She gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Added to a regular schedule;

A special holiday flight

Put on special buses for the big game

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Special means being distinct or unique.

This is a special place for us; we had our first date here.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Special implies having a specific significance or purpose.

The designer created a special line of clothing for the event.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Special denotes possessing particular or individual qualities.

He has a special way of making everyone feel included.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Special can signify importance due to rarity or individuality.

The rare bird is considered very special among ornithologists.

Sep 29, 2023

Special

Special often refers to a distinguished or individual nature.

She received a special award for her charitable work.

Sep 29, 2023

FAQs

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.

Oct 03, 2023

What is the meaning of special?

Special means being distinctly individual or unique, usually due to rarity, specific attributes, or unique significance.

Oct 03, 2023

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.

Oct 03, 2023

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.

Oct 03, 2023

Does exceptional refer to rarity?

Yes, exceptional often refers to something that is rare or uncommon due to its outstanding qualities or abilities.

Oct 03, 2023

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.

Oct 03, 2023

What does exceptional mean?

Exceptional refers to something that surpasses the usual or normal standards, often due to outstanding qualities or abilities.

Oct 03, 2023

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.

Oct 03, 2023

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.

Oct 03, 2023

Can something be special due to emotional connection?

Absolutely, something can be deemed special due to sentimental value or a deep emotional connection.

Oct 03, 2023

Can an exceptional individual be considered special?

Yes, an exceptional individual can be considered special due to their extraordinary abilities, qualities, or achievements.

Oct 03, 2023

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.

Oct 03, 2023

Can exceptional relate to extreme conditions?

Yes, exceptional can describe conditions or occurrences that are extraordinary or extreme, either positively or negatively.

Oct 03, 2023

Can special imply rarity?

Yes, special often implies rarity, denoting something uncommon or unique due to specific attributes or significance.

Oct 03, 2023

Is special subjective?

Special can be subjective, as it may denote individual significance, emotional connection, or personal value, varying from person to person.

Oct 03, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba 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.