What does "particular" mean?
A small individual part of something larger; a detail, a point.
Particular
/pəˈtɪk.jʊ.lə/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Very common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A small individual part of something larger; a detail, a point.
- Grammar: particular is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: fussy, picky, special, absolute.
- Useful contrasts: generic, abstract principle, abstract system.
- Usage evidence: Some knowledge of foreign languages, of Spanish in particular, is essential.
How to use "particular"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "particular" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "particular" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "particular" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "particular" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "particular" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "fussy" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "particular", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A small individual part of something larger; a detail, a point.
"I did not omit even our Sports and Paſtimes, or any other Particular which I thought might redound to the Honour of my Country."
- 2 a fact about some part (as opposed to general) wordnet
- 3 A person's own individual case. obsolete
"Since philosophy could never find any way for tranquillity that might be generally good, let every man in his particular seeke for it."
- 4 (logic) a proposition that asserts something about some (but not all) members of a class wordnet
- 5 A particular case; an individual thing as opposed to a whole class. (Opposed to generals, universals.) plural
"When we examine common words, we find that, broadly speaking, proper names stand for particulars, while other substantives, adjectives, prepositions, and verbs stand for universals."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 a small part that can be considered separately from the whole wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Pertaining only to a part of something; partial. obsolete
- 2 Specific; discrete; concrete.
"I couldn't find the particular model you asked for, but I hope this one will do."
- 3 Specialised; characteristic of a specific person or thing.
"I don't appreciate your particular brand of cynicism."
- 4 Known only to an individual person or group; confidential. obsolete
"or these domesticke and particular broiles, Are not the question heere."
- 5 Distinguished in some way; special (often in negative constructions).
"My five favorite places are, in no particular order, New York, Chicago, Paris, San Francisco and London."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 Of a person, concerned with, or attentive to, details; fastidious. comparable
"He is very particular about his food and if it isn't cooked to perfection he will send it back."
- 7 Concerned with, or attentive to, details; minute; circumstantial; precise.
"a full and particular account of an accident"
- 8 Containing a part only; limited.
"a particular estate, or one precedent to an estate in remainder"
- 9 Holding a particular estate.
"a particular tenant"
- 10 Forming a part of a genus; relatively limited in extension; affirmed or denied of a part of a subject.
"a particular proposition, opposed to "universal", e.g. (particular affirmative) "Some men are wise"; (particular negative) "Some men are not wise"."
Adjective
- 1 providing specific details or circumstances wordnet
- 2 surpassing what is common or usual or expected wordnet
- 3 exacting especially about details wordnet
- 4 unique or specific to a person or thing or category wordnet
- 5 separate and distinct from others of the same group or category wordnet
Show 1 more definition
- 6 first and most important wordnet
Example
"Some knowledge of foreign languages, of Spanish in particular, is essential."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "particular"?
Common synonyms include: fussy, picky, special, absolute, accurate, adjunct.
How do you use "particular" in a sentence?
Some knowledge of foreign languages, of Spanish in particular, is essential.
How do you pronounce "particular"?
Pronounced /pəˈtɪk.jʊ.lə/.
Etymology
From Middle English particuler, from Anglo-Norman particuler, Middle French particuler, particulier, from Late Latin particularis (“partial; separate, individual”), from Latin particula (“(small) part”). Equivalent to particle + -ar. Compare particle.