particular Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a fact about some part (as opposed to general)
    specific.
    • he always reasons from the particular to the general
  2. noun a small part that can be considered separately from the whole
    item; detail.
    • it was perfect in all details
  3. noun (logic) a proposition that asserts something about some (but not all) members of a class
    particular proposition.
  4. adjective satellite unique or specific to a person or thing or category
    peculiar; special.
    • the particular demands of the job
    • has a particular 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
  5. adjective satellite separate and distinct from others of the same group or category
    • interested in one particular artist
    • a man who wishes to make a particular woman fall in love with him
  6. adjective satellite surpassing what is common or usual or expected
    especial; special; exceptional.
    • 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?
  7. adjective satellite first and most important
    special.
    • his special interest is music
    • she gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work
  8. adjective satellite exacting especially about details
    fussy; finicky; picky; finical.
    • a finicky eater
    • fussy about clothes
    • very particular about how her food was prepared
  9. adjective satellite providing specific details or circumstances
    • a particular description of the room

WordNet

Par*tic"u*lar adjective
Etymology
OE. particuler, F. particulier, L. particularis. See Particle.
Definitions
  1. Relating to a part or portion of anything; concerning a part separated from the whole or from others of the class; separate; sole; single; individual; specific; as, the particular stars of a constellation. Shak.
    [/Make] each particular hair to stand an end, Like quills upon the fretful porpentine. Shak.
    Seken in every halk and every herne Particular sciences for to lerne. Chaucer.
  2. Of or pertaining to a single person, class, or thing; belonging to one only; not general; not common; hence, personal; peculiar; singular. "Thine own particular wrongs." Shak.
    Wheresoever one plant draweth such a particular juice out of the earth. Bacon.
  3. Separate or distinct by reason of superiority; distinguished; important; noteworthy; unusual; special; as, he brought no particular news; she was the particular belle of the party.
  4. Concerned with, or attentive to, details; minute; circumstantial; precise; as, a full and particular account of an accident; hence, nice; fastidious; as, a man particular in his dress.
  5. (Law) (a) Containing a part only; limited; as, a particular estate, or one precedent to an estate in remainder. (b) Holding a particular estate; as, a particular tenant. Blackstone.
  6. (Logic) Forming a part of a genus; relatively limited in extension; affirmed or denied of a part of a subject; as, a particular proposition; -- opposed to universal: e. g. (particular affirmative) Some men are wise; (particular negative) Some men are not wise. Syn. -- Minute; individual; respective; appropriate; peculiar; especial; exact; specific; precise; critical; circumstantial. See Minute.
Par*tic"u*lar noun
Definitions
  1. A separate or distinct member of a class, or part of a whole; an individual fact, point, circumstance, detail, or item, which may be considered separately; as, the particulars of a story.
    Particulars which it is not lawful for me to reveal. Bacon.
    It is the greatest interest of particulars to advance the good of the community. L'Estrange.
  2. Special or personal peculiarity, trait, or character; individuality; interest, etc. Obs.
    For his particular I'll receive him gladly. Shak.
    If the particulars of each person be considered. Milton.
    Temporal blessings, whether such as concern the public . . . or such as concern our particular. Whole Duty of Man.
  3. (Law) One of the details or items of grounds of claim; -- usually in the pl.; also, a bill of particulars; a minute account; as, a particular of premises.
    The reader has a particular of the books wherein this law was written. Ayliffe.

Webster 1913