Special vs. Unique — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 21, 2024
Special emphasizes distinctiveness or superiority in some aspect, often due to qualities that appeal to specific tastes or needs. Unique signifies being the only one of its kind, without any exact counterpart or equal.
Difference Between Special and Unique
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Special is a term that denotes something distinguished by a unique quality or feature, often implying an excellence or superiority in some aspect. This can be due to its design, function, or emotional value to someone. Whereas unique describes something unparalleled or without any identical entity, stressing on its singularity and the absence of any duplicates.
While something special is not always unique, it holds significance or value in a given context, such as a special edition book that is produced in limited quantities but is among many items. On the other hand, a unique artifact, like a hand-crafted vase with an irreplicable design, is the only one of its kind in existence.
Special items or moments might be created or designated as such to cater to particular preferences or occasions, emphasizing their importance or exclusivity in a specific setting. Unique, however, inherently possesses its distinction, not requiring any external designation to stand out.
In terms of emotional or personal significance, something can be special to someone because of personal associations or memories, even if it is not unique in the wider world. In contrast, unique items may be valued for their rarity and originality, independent of personal sentiment.
The perception of what constitutes 'special' can vary greatly among different people, cultures, or contexts, indicating a degree of subjectivity. Unique, however, has a more objective basis—either something is the only one of its kind, or it is not.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Distinguished by some quality; significant in a particular context.
The only one of its kind; without equal or equivalent.
Basis of Value
Emotional, functional, or contextual significance.
Inherent rarity and originality.
Exclusivity
Can be exclusive but not necessarily without parallels.
Inherently without parallels.
Subjectivity
Value and distinction can be highly subjective.
Distinction is more objective.
Production/Creation
Can be manufactured or designated as special.
Cannot be made; uniqueness is intrinsic.
Compare with Definitions
Special
Associated with a specific purpose or occasion.
They held a special ceremony to honor the veterans.
Unique
Not replicable or able to be duplicated.
Each handmade vase is unique and varies slightly in color.
Special
Conveying a sense of favored treatment or consideration.
The teacher gave the students a special extension on the project.
Unique
Possessing qualities that make something distinct from all others.
This sculpture is unique because of its design.
Special
Signifying importance or distinction in a particular context.
She received a special award for her community service.
Unique
Being the only one of its kind; unparalleled.
She has a unique talent for understanding complex problems.
Special
Denoting a limited edition or exclusive version.
He bought a special edition of his favorite book.
Unique
Standing out from others due to exceptional characteristics.
His unique approach to teaching makes learning enjoyable.
Special
Tailored or designed to meet specific needs.
The chef prepared a special meal for the event.
Unique
Rare and not found elsewhere.
This species of flower is unique to the region and cannot be found anywhere else.
Special
Surpassing what is common or usual; exceptional
A special occasion.
A special treat.
Unique
Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else
The situation was unique in British politics
Original and unique designs
Special
Distinct among others of a kind
A special type of paint.
A special medication for arthritis.
Unique
A unique person or thing
Some of Lamb's writings were so memorably beautiful as to be uniques in their class
Special
Primary
His special satisfaction comes from volunteer work.
Unique
Being the only one of its kind
The unique existing example of Donne's handwriting.
Special
Peculiar to a specific person or thing; particular
My own special chair.
The special features of a computer.
Unique
Characteristic only of a particular category or entity
A weather pattern that is unique to coastal areas.
Special
Having a limited or specific function, application, or scope
A special role in the mission.
Unique
Remarkable; extraordinary
A unique opportunity to buy a house.
Special
Arranged for a particular occasion or purpose
A special visit from her daughter.
Unique
(uncomparable) Being the only one of its kind; unequaled, unparalleled or unmatched.
Every person has a unique life, therefore every person has a unique journey.
Special
Regarded with particular affection and admiration
A special friend.
Unique
Of a feature, such that only one holder has it.
Special
Additional; extra
A special holiday flight.
Unique
Particular, characteristic.
Special
Something arranged, issued, or appropriated to a particular service or occasion
Rode to work on the commuter special.
Unique
(proscribed) Of a rare quality, unusual.
Special
A featured attraction, such as a reduced price
A special on salmon.
Unique
A thing without a like; something unequalled or unparallelled; one of a kind.
Special
A single television production that features a specific work, a given topic, or a particular performer.
Unique
Being without a like or equal; unmatched; unequaled; unparalleled; single in kind or excellence; sole.
Special
Distinguished by a unique or unusual quality.
A special episode of a television series
Unique
A thing without a like; something unequaled or unparalleled.
The phenix, the unique pf birds.
Special
Of particular personal interest or value; dear; beloved.
Everyone is special to someone.
Unique
Radically distinctive and without equal;
He is alone in the field of microbiology
This theory is altogether alone in its penetration of the problem
Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint
Craftsmen whose skill is unequaled
Unparalleled athletic ability
A breakdown of law unparalleled in our history
Special
(euphemistic) Of or related to disabilities, especially learning or intellectual disabilities.
Special education, special needs
He goes to a special school.
Unique
(followed by `to') applying exclusively to a given category or condition or locality;
A species unique to Australia
Special
Constituting or relating to a species.
Unique
The single one of its kind;
A singular example
The unique existing example of Donne's handwriting
A unique copy of an ancient manuscript
Certain types of problems have unique solutions
Special
Chief in excellence.
Unique
Highly unusual or rare but not the single instance;
Spoke with a unique accent
Had unique ability in raising funds
A frankness unique in literature
A unique dining experience
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
Common Curiosities
What makes something special?
Something becomes special due to its significance, quality, or emotional value in a specific context or to an individual.
Can an item be special but not unique?
Yes, an item can be special for reasons of emotional significance, functionality, or context without being the only one of its kind.
Can a unique item be considered special?
Yes, a unique item can be considered special due to its rarity and originality, making it stand out.
Is everything unique also special?
Not necessarily; while uniqueness is a criterion for being special, the personal or contextual value assigned to it determines its specialness.
How does subjectivity play into something being considered special?
The designation of something as special is often based on personal preferences, experiences, and emotional connections, making it highly subjective.
What is an example of something that is special but not unique?
A wedding ring mass-produced but engraved with a personal message can be special to someone without being unique.
What defines a unique object?
A unique object is defined by its singularity, being the only one of its kind in existence, without any exact replicas.
Can the value of something unique change over time?
Yes, the perceived value of something unique can change due to shifts in cultural, artistic, or personal significance.
How do people typically respond to unique items?
Unique items often elicit fascination, admiration, or curiosity due to their rarity and originality.
Can multiple items be special in the same way?
Yes, multiple items can be considered special in similar ways if they hold similar significance or value to individuals or within a specific context.
Is uniqueness always apparent?
Not always; uniqueness in some objects or qualities may only be revealed through detailed examination or understanding.
What role does functionality play in something being considered special or unique?
Functionality can contribute to an item's specialness or uniqueness if it serves a unique purpose, meets specific needs in an exceptional way, or offers an innovative solution.
Can the specialness of an item be replicated?
The specialness attributed to an item can be replicated in similar items through emotional connections or contextual significance.
How do cultural perceptions affect what is considered unique?
Cultural backgrounds and values can influence the perception of uniqueness, highlighting different qualities or aspects as rare or exceptional.
Does the uniqueness of an item guarantee it will be valued?
While uniqueness can enhance an item's appeal, it doesn't guarantee it will be universally valued; personal tastes and perceptions vary widely.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
