Reading Theme:
Particular: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：specific or special (particular)
particular
/pəˈtɪkjələr/
adj.
used to emphasize that something is special, specific, or not just any one
specific or special
➕
/spəˈsɪfɪk ɔr ˈspɛʃəl/
adj.
Used to single out one specific item, detail, or instance from a group, emphasizing its distinctiveness.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'particularis' (concerning a small part), from 'particula' (small part, particle).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: Be 'PARTicular' — focus on a specific PART, not the whole.
📖 Example
She was looking for a particular shade of blue for her new sweater.
She was searching for a very specific shade of blue for her new sweater.
🔗 Collocations
in particular – especially or specifically
particular about – having specific requirements regarding
particular type – a specific kind or category
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
general (adj.) – affecting or concerning all or most people or things; widespread.
vague (adj.) – of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning.
indiscriminate (adj.) – done at random or without careful judgment.
🌱 Derivatives
particularly (adv.) – to a higher degree than is usual or average; very.
particularity (n.) – the quality of being individual or specific.
particularize (v.) – to treat individually or in detail; to specify.
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English from Old French 'particulier', which itself derived from the Latin 'particularis'. In modern usage, it is a key term in legal, academic, and business English to denote specificity or to highlight individual exceptions, as in the common legal phrase 'nothing in particular'.
Meaning 2：hard to please (particular)
particular
/pəˈtɪkjələr/
adj.
describes a person who is very hard to please or pays too much attention to small details
hard to please
➕
/hɑrd tu pliz/
adj.
Describes a person who is very selective, demanding, or attentive to small, often minor, details.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My grandfather is very particular about how his tea is brewed.
My grandfather has very specific and demanding standards for how his tea is prepared.
🔗 Collocations
particular about – demanding specific standards regarding
fussy/particular eater – someone who is very selective about food
not particular – not having strong preferences; easy to please
🔄 Synonyms
fussy (adj.) – fastidious about one's needs or requirements; hard to please.
fastidious (adj.) – very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.
choosy (adj.) – taking excessive care when making a selection.
🚫 Antonyms
easygoing (adj.) – relaxed and tolerant in attitude or manner.
indifferent (adj.) – having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.
undemanding (adj.) – not requiring much skill or effort.
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