Particular

/pərˈtɪkjələ(r)/

adjectivemedium🔥Very CommonDescriptive
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

Relating to one specific person or thing; special or individual.

/pərˈtɪkjələ(r)/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Descriptive

Relating to or denoting a single or specific person or thing

He was a particular fan of the Beatles.

💡 Simply: Like when you're talking about ONE special thing instead of everything. If you have a *particular* favorite ice cream flavor (like strawberry!), it means that you REALLY like that one best.

👶 For kids: Meaning something special or just for one thing.

More Examples

2

She took a particular interest in the history of art.

3

The company has particular requirements for this position.

How It's Used

General

"She has a particular fondness for antique jewelry."

Business

"This offer is valid for this particular model only."

Legal

"The law applies to that particular case."

2

Paying attention to small details; meticulous or fastidious.

/pərˈtɪkjələ(r)/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Behavioral

Demanding or fastidious about details.

She is very particular about her tea.

💡 Simply: When someone is *particular*, they're super picky about things. Like, if your grandma is *particular* about how you set the table, she has very specific rules about the forks and knives.

👶 For kids: Meaning someone who is very choosy and likes things a certain way.

More Examples

2

He's particular about the way his room is arranged.

3

The chef is particular in selecting the best ingredients.

How It's Used

Behavior

"He is very particular about his appearance."

Food

"She's particular about what she eats and avoids gluten."

Tip:Think of someone being picky about specific things.
3

A detail; a point; a specific fact or item.

/pərˈtɪkjələ(r)/

nounneutralmedium
Information

A detail or item.

The police are investigating the particulars of the case.

💡 Simply: Like, when you're listing all the little things about something. If you're telling a friend all the *particulars* about your vacation, you would tell them about the hotel, the food, and the fun stuff you did each day.

👶 For kids: Meaning a single piece of information or a detail.

More Examples

2

Please provide the necessary particulars before the meeting.

3

The contract outlines the particulars of the agreement.

How It's Used

Legal

"The police are investigating the particulars of the crime."

Business

"Please provide the particulars of your request."

Tip:Think about the individual details that make up something bigger.

Idioms & expressions

in particular

Specifically; especially; more than others.

"I enjoy all kinds of music, but I love jazz in particular."

be particular about something

To be very careful or fastidious about something.

"She is very particular about her appearance."

From Latin *particularis* 'relating to a part or detail', from *particula* 'a small part'.

The word 'particular' has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving from its Latin roots.

Memory tip

Think of a specific detail or part that stands out from the whole.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"relating to a part or detail"

particular aboutin particulara particular caseparticular detailsparticular attention

Common misspellings

particulerparticalerparticualr

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written