How should one use "especial" and "special"?

[Molly]

How should one use "especial" and "special"? What is the difference?

[Giang93]

I think that they are quite the same . But "especial" is more common than "special" and usually means " in particular" . " Special " usually means "for a particular purpose " and is often followed by a past participle

[Molly]

[Giang93]

In speaking , English use "especial" more often than "special "

[Lost_Soul]

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=26292&dict=CALD

[Molly]

[Molly]

[Thang77]

In my opinion, 'special' means 'not ordinary or usual, but different in some way and often better or more important'.And 'especial' is more commonly used with the form of 'especially' and here is some examples of the use of it:
Being distinctive: as a: directed toward a particular individual, group, or end <sent especial greetings to his son> <took especial care to speak clearly> b: of special note or importance : unusually great or significant <a decision of especial relevance> c: highly distinctive or personal : peculiar <had an especial dislike for music> d: close, intimate <his especial crony> e: specific, particular <had no especial destination in mind
And this is about 'special':
1: distinguished by some unusual quality; especially : being in some way superior <our special blend>
2: held in particular esteem <a special friend>
3 a: readily distinguishable from others of the same category : unique <they set it apart as a special day of thanksgiving> b: of, relating to, or constituting a species : specific
4: being other than the usual : additional, extra
5: designed for a particular purpose or occasion.
It's my own opinion.What about you?What do you think about them?

[Nessie]

uhm... I think we really need help from an expert. Where are you now, Alan? :D
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:(... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know.. :(

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Ralf]

Hi Molly,

As a rule of thumb, they're interchangeable.

The best way to make a clear distinction is probably by looking at adverbial use of these adjectives:

You can buy the article at a specially reduced price.

as opposed to

We have reduced the article especially for you.

Apart from this aspect, 'especial' is used in a more formal context.

Prior to the visit of the president, the staff gave especial attention to the decorations.
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