A2 adjective Neutral #469 most common

particular

/pəˈtɪk.jə.lər/

This word describes a specific thing or person rather than something general. It is used when you want to talk about one individual item out of a group or someone who is very careful about details.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Is there a particular book you are looking for today?

Is there a specific book you are looking for today?

2

The committee is focusing on this particular issue during the meeting.

The committee is focusing on this specific issue during the meeting.

3

I don't have any particular plans for Saturday night.

I don't have any specific plans for Saturday night.

Word Family

Noun
particularity
Verb
particularize
Adverb
particularly
Adjective
particular
Related
particulars
💡

Memory Tip

Look at the first four letters: PART. Use 'particular' when you are talking about one 'part' or one specific piece of a whole group.

Quick Quiz

I don't like all fruits; I am very ______ about which ones I eat.

Correct!

The correct answer is: particular

Examples

1

Is there a particular book you are looking for today?

everyday

Is there a specific book you are looking for today?

2

The committee is focusing on this particular issue during the meeting.

formal

The committee is focusing on this specific issue during the meeting.

3

I don't have any particular plans for Saturday night.

informal

I don't have any specific plans for Saturday night.

4

This particular species of bird is only found in South America.

academic

This specific species of bird is only found in South America.

5

We must address the needs of this particular customer immediately.

business

We must address the needs of this specific customer immediately.

Word Family

Noun
particularity
Verb
particularize
Adverb
particularly
Adjective
particular
Related
particulars

Common Collocations

particular reason a specific reason
particular interest a specific interest
particular attention specific attention
this particular case this specific case
particular about fussy or careful about something

Common Phrases

in particular

especially or specifically

for no particular reason

without a specific cause

the particulars

the specific details of a situation

Often Confused With

particular vs peculiar

Peculiar means strange or unusual, while particular means specific or individual.

particular vs special

Special means better or more important than usual, whereas particular simply identifies one specific thing out of many.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'particular' before a noun to point out exactly which one you mean. If you say someone is 'particular about' something, it means they are very careful or fussy about it.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'special' when they should use 'particular' to identify a specific item. For example, say 'this particular pen' instead of 'this special pen' if the pen is not actually better than others.

💡

Memory Tip

Look at the first four letters: PART. Use 'particular' when you are talking about one 'part' or one specific piece of a whole group.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'particularis', which means 'concerning a small part'.

Grammar Patterns

Used before a noun (e.g., 'a particular person') Followed by 'about' when describing someone's standards (e.g., 'particular about food')

Quick Quiz

I don't like all fruits; I am very ______ about which ones I eat.

Correct!

The correct answer is: particular

Related Words

multicentcide

C1

To systematically destroy or neutralize multiple core centers of operation, power, or biological activity within a single system. This term is often used in specialized strategic or scientific contexts to describe a targeted attack on all vital hubs simultaneously to ensure total system collapse.

enspecty

C1

To examine a subject, document, or object with extreme precision and exhaustive detail, often to ensure it meets rigorous quality standards. It implies a more intrusive and systematic level of investigation than a standard inspection, typically performed by a specialist or auditor.

multiaudate

C1

To simultaneously monitor, listen to, or process multiple streams of audio information or diverse vocal perspectives. It is typically used in technical or academic contexts to describe the high-level cognitive act of filtering and analyzing concurrent auditory inputs.

homohydrward

C1

Describing a biological or chemical movement or tendency toward maintaining internal fluid consistency or moving toward a moisture source with identical properties. It refers to a directional state where the primary driver is the achievement of uniform hydration equilibrium.

antilaterary

C1

A noun referring to a position, point, or entity located on the exact opposite side of a central axis, midline, or reference point. It is used in specialized logic and spatial reasoning contexts to describe counter-positioning or mirror-image placement.

mishospcy

C1

Describes a quality of being ungracious or providing poor hospitality, specifically characterized by a lack of genuine warmth or a failed attempt at being welcoming. It is used to label environments or behaviors that feel cold, awkward, or subtly hostile despite an expectation of care.

ungeoary

C1

Describes something that lacks geographical characteristics or is independent of physical location and spatial terrain. It is often used in abstract or digital contexts where physical boundaries and coordinates are irrelevant.

dearchism

C1

A structural or philosophical approach characterized by the rejection of hierarchy, centralized authority, or a singular dominant 'arch' (rule). It advocates for decentralized, horizontal organization where power and focus are distributed evenly across a system.

coclauddom

C1

The state or condition of being collectively shut away or secluded in a shared environment. It refers to a group or community that exists within a self-contained, closed space, often by choice or social necessity.

synprivward

C1

A synprivward is a specialized protocol or linguistic barrier used to safeguard sensitive information during collaborative data exchanges. It acts as a protective layer that synchronizes privacy standards across different entities to prevent unauthorized access while maintaining group workflow.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free