ɛsˈpɛʃəl ɪkˈsiːdɪŋ ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl pəˈtɪkjəlɚ pɹəˈdɪd͡ʒəs ˈspɛ.ʃəl 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? deviating widely from a norm of physical or mental ability; used especially of children below normal in intelligence special educational provisions for exceptional children 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