szczególna

Szczególna is the feminine singular nominative form of the Polish adjective szczególny, meaning special or particular. It is used to describe a feminine noun and agrees in gender, number, and case with that noun.

In everyday use, szczególna can denote something noteworthy, unusual, or key in a given context. For example, szczególna cecha means a particular feature, szczególna uwaga means special attention, and szczególna okoliczność refers to a special circumstance. The word can also function in predicate position: Ta sytuacja jest szczególna (This situation is special).

Morphology and related forms: other forms of the same adjective include szczególny (masculine singular), szczególne (neuter singular and feminine plural or masculine plural in some constructions), and szczególne (plural feminine and neuter). Polish adjectives decline to agree with the noun they modify, so the form changes for gender, number, and case.

Etymology and semantics: szczególny derives from roots related to detail or particularity, historically linked to the noun szczegół (detail). Over time, the sense broadened to describe qualities that distinguish something as special, noteworthy, or exceptional, rather than merely ordinary details. In contemporary Polish, synonyms include specjalny and wyjątkowy, though each carries subtle nuances: specjalny often emphasizes function or purpose, while wyjątkowy implies rarity or exceptional quality.

See also: Polish grammar of adjectives; other forms of the adjective szczególny; usage of synonyms in context.