particular

/pə'tikjulə/
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particular

The teacher gave a particular example to illustrate the point.

Definition
  1. Adjective:

    • Relating to a single, specific person, thing, or group, not general: Used to single out an individual element from a broader category.
    • Especially great or intense; special: Used to indicate something that is noteworthy or exceptional.
    • Insisting on very high standards; fastidious: Describes someone who is very careful about details or difficult to please.
  2. Noun:

    • A detail or individual item: A specific fact, point, or piece of information.
    • (In logic) A proposition that asserts something about some, but not all, members of a class: A statement that is not universally general.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:

    • She didn't have a particular book in mind; she just wanted something to read. (This singles out a specific, yet unnamed, book from all books.)
    • This is a matter of particular importance to the committee. (This indicates the importance is special or exceptional.)
    • He is very particular about the cleanliness of his workspace. (This describes his fastidious nature.)
  • Noun:

    • The contract covers all the general terms, but we need to discuss the particulars. (This refers to the specific details.)
    • The philosopher argued from the particular to the general. (This refers to a specific instance or case.)
Advanced Usage
  • "In particular": Especially; specifically.

    • I love classical music, Beethoven in particular. (This phrase highlights a specific element within a general category.)
  • "To go into particulars": To describe or discuss the specific details.

    • The report outlines the plan broadly without going into particulars. (This idiom means to provide detailed information.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Particularly (adverb): To a higher degree than usual; very. Used to emphasize a specific point.
    • It was a particularly difficult problem to solve.
  • Particularity (noun): The quality of being individual or specific; minute detail.
    • The particularity of her description helped us identify the suspect.
Synonyms
  • Specific: Clearly defined or identified.
  • Special: Better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual.
  • Fastidious: Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.
Antonyms
  • General: Affecting or concerning all or most people or things; widespread.
  • Vague: Of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning.
Related Phrases
  • Nothing in particular: Nothing specific or special.
    • "What are you doing?" "Oh, nothing in particular." (This phrase indicates a lack of a specific plan or focus.)
particular

The teacher gave a particular example to illustrate the point.

Adjective
  1. providing specific details or circumstances
    • a particular description of the room
  2. exacting especially about details
    • a finicky eater
    • fussy about clothes
    • very particular about how her food was prepared
  3. first and most important
    • his special interest is music
    • she gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work
  4. 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?
  5. separate and distinct from others of the same group or category
    • interested in one particular artist
    • a man who wishes to make a particular woman fall in love with him
  6. unique or specific to a person or thing or category
    • the particular demands of the job
    • has a particular 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
Noun
  1. (logic) a proposition that asserts something about some (but not all) members of a class
  2. a small part that can be considered separately from the whole
    • it was perfect in all details
  3. a fact about some part (as opposed to general)
    • he always reasons from the particular to the general