Main entry: especial, exceptional, special, particular
Definition: surpassing what is common or usual or expected
Usage: 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?
Main entry: exceptional
Definition: deviating widely from a norm of physical or mental ability; used especially of children below normal in intelligence
Usage: special educational provisions for exceptional children
Main entry: exceeding, exceptional, prodigious, surpassing, olympian
Definition: far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree
Usage: a night of exceeding darkness; an exceptional memory; olympian efforts to save the city from bankruptcy; the young Mozart's prodigious talents