particularadj.n.adv.
/pəˈtɪkjᵿlə/, U.S. /pə(r)ˈtɪkjələr/, /pɑrˈtɪkjələr/ A. adj.† 4.
1. † a. Belonging to or affecting only a part of something; partial; not universal. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > [adjective]
specialc1230
particulara1387
especialc1400
appropriated1619
the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > part of whole > [adjective]
portionala1382
particulara1387
partial?a1425
part1496
molecular1877
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 189 In þis province of þat lond was þe þridde particuler flood [L. tertium diluvium particulare].
a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) iii. 5139 (MED) Loo, heer a sorwe nat particuleer [rhyme neer] For thoruh al Perse ran the cursidnesse.
1542 A. Borde Compend. Regyment Helth xxxvi. sig. M.ivv They the whiche haue the Palsye, vnyuersall or pertyculer, must beware of anger.
1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 330 The Three yeares Drought, in the time of Elias, was but Particular, and left People Aliue.
1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) i. §22 'Tis ridiculous to put off, or drowne, the generall Flood of Noah, in that particular inundation of Deucalion. View more context for this quotation
b. Logic. Designating a proposition in which something is predicated, affirmatively or negatively, of some but not all of a class. Opposed to universal (universal adj. 6b).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical proposition > [adjective] > of universal or particular propositions
universalc1450
particular1551
subaltern1566
subcontrary1566
singular1654
lemmatical1665
indefinite1773
indesignate1844
semi-definitea1856
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Gij If one of the proposicions be perticular, or negatiue, the conclusion is perticular, or negatiue.
1552 T. Wilson Rule of Reason (rev. ed.) sig. Hvj Wherby euery proposicion is knowen, either to bee vniuersall, or particular, affirmatiue, or negatiue.
1697 tr. F. Burgersdijck Monitio Logica ii. 27 A, denotes a Universal Affirming..I, a Particular Affirming.
1725 I. Watts Logick ii. ii. §1 Propositions may be divided according to their subject into universal and particular.
1843 J. S. Mill Syst. Logic I. i. iv. §4 115 A particular proposition is that of which the subject is undistributed.
1860 W. Thomson Outl. Laws of Thought (ed. 5) §74. 127 A judgment about part of a conception as ‘Some lakes have an outlet’ is a particular judgment.
1906 H. W. B. Joseph Introd. to Logic x. 211 A proposition is said to be converted by limitation, or per accidens, when, it being universal, its converse is particular.
1958 Jrnl. Philos. 55 665 The particular proposition like ‘some men are wise’ becomes, when generalized, ‘Man may be wise’.
2001 Bull. Symbolic Logic 7 399 An extended mood is a quadruple whose first and third components are universal propositions..and whose fourth component is a particular proposition.
c. Theology. Relating to, or in accordance with, the doctrine of particularism; esp. in particular election, particular redemption.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > spirituality > salvation, redemption > doctrine of salvation > [noun] > particularism
particular redemption1651
particularism1713
partialism1843
1651 J. Goodwin Άπολύτρωσις Άπολυτρώσεως v. §1 That consciencious and learned Men..should either deny universall or assert particular, Redemption.
1654 H. Hammond Of Fundamentals in Notion in Misc. Theol. Wks. (1849) II. 169 He is so sure and confident of his particular election.
a1691 G. Fox Jrnl. (1952) (modernized text) 233 And I told them they held their doctrine of particular election in Esau's, Cain's and Ishmael's nature and not in Jacob's, the second birth's, for they must be born again before they enter the Kingdom of God.
1847 C. W. Buch tr. K. R. Hagenbach Compend. Hist. Doctr. II. 255 The Calvinists..adopted the notion of particular redemption (Particularism).
1860 Actress in High Life 197 He holds a particular election within the Kirk, and a national reprobation outside of it.
1901 B. J. Kidd 39 Articles II. ii. xvii. 157 The tenet of particular redemption, which held that God's predestination had reference not to mankind at large, but to this and that particular individual.
1944 K. J. Shapiro Coll. Poems (1978) 80 Some choose the ethics of belief beyond Even particular election.
1988 16th Cent. Jrnl. 19 127 The debate between free will and predestination is set within a much wider context which includes..general and particular redemption.
2. † b. Existing separately apart from others; distinct; independent, standing alone. Obsolete.
a. That is a unit or one among a number; taken or considered as an individual, apart from the rest; single; distinct, individual, specific.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > [adjective] > individual or single
oneOE
singularc1340
particulara1387
serea1400
serelepya1400
several1448
single?a1475
individual1593
numerical1643
versal1709
varsal1751
separate1907
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 295 Many particular prouinces is comprehendid vndir þe name of þat lond.
?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 5v (MED) Of extenuacioun & ingrossacioun of bodiez & of perticuler membres.
c1475 tr. C. de Pisan Livre du Corps de Policie (Cambr.) (1977) 104 (MED) Ther be many particulyr thyngis in his londe..whiche ben oute of nombre.
1529 T. More Dialogue Heresyes iv, in Wks. (1557) 261/2 Who was there euer that laid vnto another all the perticulere euill dedes of any one other man.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 44 Every man partycular & also the hole commynalty.
1603 W. Shakespeare Hamlet i. v. 19 Make..each particular haire to stand on end.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 401/2 I shall set down each perticular Letter.
1709 G. Berkeley Ess. New Theory of Vision §132. 154 A Task far more difficult... And I leave it to the Reflexion and Experience of every particular Person, to determine for himself.
1763 J. Brown Diss. Poetry & Music xii. 207 Particular and well attested Facts are stubborn Things.
1821 T. Jefferson in Writings (1984) 55 These memoranda were on loose papers, bundled up without order, and difficult of recurrence when I had occasion for a particular one.
1868 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest II. vii. 125 This particular tax was a painful and hateful badge of national disgrace.
1893 H. P. Liddon et al. Life E. B. Pusey I. xviii. 417 The Ancient Fathers..bring the thought of particular Churches into communion with the thought of the Universal Church, when outwardly united.
1930 N. Coward Private Lives ii. 55 Elyot, Do you remember that awful scene we had in Venice? Amanda. Which particular one?
1966 C. Ekwensi Lokotown i. 1 On this particular morning, he was getting to work late and he knew it.
2001 J. Franzen Corrections 139 On that particular afternoon..the weather in his brain was as warm and bright as the weather in northwest Philadelphia.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > difference > [adjective] > distinct
distincta1382
alienc1384
sundrya1393
alienate1533
several1533
particular1547
severable1548
different?a1560
distinguished1609
remote1615
discriminate1626
incoincident1636
discriminated1673
allogenous1842
1547 A. Borde Breuiary of Helthe i. Proheme f. iiii Diligently to consyder yf the sickenes..or impedyment, be perticuler by him selfe: or els that it haue any other infyrmyte concurrant with it.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. vii. 6 Alger is as it were ordered as a particular common wealth.
1655 E. Terry Voy. E.-India 78 Thirty and seven several and large Provinces, which antiently were particular Kingdomes.
3.
a. Belonging or relating to one person or thing as distinguished from another; of one's own; special; specialized; not general.Often preceded by a possessive adjective, as ‘its particular advantages’ = the advantages which it, as distinct from other things, possesses; ‘my particular sentiments’ = sentiments which are my own, not those of someone else.particular average: see average n.2 4.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > copiousness > [adjective] > minutely detailed
particularc1395
circumstantiala1616
detailed1871
c1395 G. Chaucer Franklin's Tale 1122 Yonge clerkes..Seken in euery halke and euery herne Particuler sciences for to lerne.
c1395 G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale 35 Petrak..Enlumyned al Ytaille of poetrie As Lynyan dide of philosophie Or lawe or oother art particuler.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. 206 (MED) I haue do my dever In general þing and particuler.
1450 J. Fastolf in Paston Lett. & Papers (2005) III. 112 You and my frendz..have more particuler knoulege yn such materes.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Eneydos vii. 33 He..that for his partyculer wele wyll leue ye publike & comyn wele.
1559 in J. Strype Ann. Reformation (1709) I. ii. App. viii. 423 The first byshopps of Rome were particular byshopps of a certein precinct.
1584 B. Rich Don Simonides II. 17 Where the mind is ocupied with wise preceptes, the actions of the life can hardly be vnconstant..vnlesse in a particuler mans opinion, this toucheth not the Lawe it self with any varietie.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xix. 201 I will cal him by the name of Resemblance without any addition, from which I deriue three other sorts: and giue euery one his particular name.
1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso i. lv. 109 We..prohibit..the writing particular Histories of any whatsoever City.
1677 A. Marvell Let. 24 May in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 202 This was..reported to the House who..named a particular Committee to that purpose.
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 83. ⁋1 We live in an Age wherein Vice is very general, and Virtue very particular.
1740 D. Hume Treat. Human Nature III. ii. 82 Their first difficulty, in this situation..is, how to separate their possessions, and assign to each his particular portion.
1780 E. Burke Let. to W. Watts in Athenæum (1893) 27 May 672/1 These are not my particular Sentiments..they are the unanimous Sentiments of all who are distinguished in this Kingdom, for learning, integrity, and abilities.
1826 J. F. Cooper Last of Mohicans II. xv. 256 His words were answered by a shout, and at a given signal, each warrior made a swift movement around his particular tree.
1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers xliv. 482 Vich is your partickler wanity?
1872 ‘G. Eliot’ Middlemarch IV. lxxxiii. 313 She sat down in the library before her particular little heap of books on political economy.
1928 E. Blunden Undertones of War ii. 17 I was put in charge of No. 11 Platoon, but in the trenches a subaltern's business was rather general than particular.
1954 ‘W. March’ Bad Seed i. 9 The parents of each pupil has been asked to have their particular child on the school lawn not later than eight o'clock.
1986 D. Madden Hidden Symptoms (1988) 39 She believed that everyone had their own particular cross to bear in life.
2002 Glamour July 166/3 You'll already know that her particular brand of humour is desert-dry and Wilde-esquely witty.
b. Belonging only to a specified person or thing; proper, peculiar, restricted.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > [adjective] > belonging to a particular thing or person
specialc1230
proper1340
peculiara1475
specifical?a1475
singular?a1513
private1526
privy1560
personed1565
individual1570
particular1582
idiotical1655
specific1665
sacred1667
specific1667
specifiala1670
idiomatic1771
idiomatical1774
appropriate1796
exclusive1804
propriate1820
especial1854
dedicated1969
1582 R. Mulcaster 1st Pt. Elementarie xvii. 108 By this description it appeareth, that the rules which belong to right writing in this kinde, be either generall to the tung, or particular to the charact.
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 179 The light musicke particular to vs in England.
1631 E. Jorden Disc. Nat. Bathes (1632) xvii. 132 The vse [of Bath waters] is either generall to the whole body, as in bathing; or particular to some one part, as in bucketing or pumping.
1683 Apol. Protestants France ii. 13 What was particular to Ecclesiasticks and Relapse Protestants, is now become universal to all Roman Catholicks.
c1703 Ld. Godolphin in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 352 What the Queen has commanded..is not particular to that office, but general to all others.
1725 D. Cotes tr. L. E. Du Pin New Eccl. Hist. 17th Cent. I. vi. ii. 228 His System upon Original Sin..was particular to him.
1785 T. Jefferson Notes Virginia xx. 304 (heading) A notice of the commercial productions particular to the state.
1861 F. Nightingale Notes on Nursing (new ed.) xiii. 79 Good nursing consists simply in observing little things which are common to all sick, and those which are particular to each sick individual.
1930 Terms & Def. Telegr. & Teleph. (B.S.I.) 21 A calling station can call any selected station independently of the others by employing the frequency particular to the selected station.
1970 New Scientist 1 Oct. 38/2 Tunnelling is a phenomenon particular to quantum mechanics.
2001 L. Mitton Victorian Hosp. 17 (caption) Jessop Hospital for Women, Sheffield, opened in 1864 to attend cases of midwifery and diseases particular to women.
a. Concerning or known to an individual person or group of people and no other; private, not public; personal; confidential. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective] > conducted in private > of conversation, etc.
particular1442
secret?a1513
secre?1553
private1560
confidential1759
1442 T. Bekington Let. in G. Williams Mem. Reign Henry VI (1872) II. 191 The Kings..proufuits and availe be leied apart, and..no thing doon nor spedde but by favour and particulier lucre.
1459 J. Bokkyng in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 187 As for ony particuler materes, the parlament as yet abideth vpon the grete materes of atteyndre and forfeture, and soo þere be many and diuerse particuler billes put jnne but noon redde.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 249 Bataill particulere is ay for hid caus yat may nocht be kyd opynly.
1563 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 244 Personis without ony particular interest, and voyd of all passioun.
1565 in J. H. Burton Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1877) 1st Ser. I. 414 Untrew and groundit upoun particular malice.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King Lear (1623) v. i. 21 For these domesticke and particular [printed particurlar] broiles, Are not the question heere.
1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. J. Albert de Mandelslo 3 in Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors They about the Court..procured me a particular audience.
1700 Moxon's Mech. Exercises: Bricklayers-wks. 3 Houses, both Publick and Particular.
1768 J. Boswell Acct. Corsica (ed. 2) ii. 120 Their want of union; which made particular animosities take up their attention.
1789 E. Butler Jrnl. 20 Mar. in E. M. Bell Hamwood Papers (1930) 191 Sent for Mr. Edwards of the Hand about very Particular business.
1869 R. Browning Ring & Bk. III. ix. x. 23 For public good He sunk particular qualms and played the spy.
1881 A. Trollope Ayala's Angel II. xl. 222 If you would not mind going away for ten minutes, I could say a few words on very particular business to your aunt.
b. Of a person: not holding a public office or position. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > obscurity or ingloriousness > [adjective] > not occupying public position
private1437
particular1583
society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > non-manual worker > businessman > [adjective] > not holding public office
private1437
particular1583
1583 T. Stocker tr. Tragicall Hist. Ciuile Warres Lowe Countries iv. 4 b All the rest of the Nobilitie, Knights, perticuler Gentlemen, and Subjects.
1664 B. Gerbier Counsel to Builders (new ed.) i. sig. a5 Not onely to particular, but to Publique Builders.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. x. 238 Enriching the Jesuits and a few particular persons besides.
1785 T. Holcroft Follies of Day (front matter) p. iii Though to thank the Public is to thank nobody, since no particular Person takes this Sort of Compliments to himself, [etc.].
5.
a. Distinguished in some way among others of the same kind; not ordinary; worthy of notice, remarkable; special.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [adjective] > outstanding
particular1485
emphatical1606
prominent1609
remarked1623
protuberant1730
emphatic1760
prosilient1828
outstanding1830
focalizing1838
large1883
standout1905
stickout1937
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or extraordinary > [adjective] > special, extraordinary, or unusual
sunderlepeOE
specialc1325
strangec1330
undeemousa1400
outragec1400
singularc1400
stravagant1565
unusual1582
extraordinarya1586
remarkable1593
exordinary1601
peculiar1608
stupendous1640
eccentricala1652
particular1665
out-of-the-way1675
uncommon1705
awfy1724
exceptionable1801
tremendous1831
exceptional1846
exceptive1849
exceptionary1850
spesh1874
heart-stopping1891
off-brand1929
wild1955
cracker1964
1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. kijv/2 Al creatures resonable owen to gyue synguler honour & pertyculer loue to hym that hath gyuen to them beyng.
1525 Acts Parl. Scotl. (1814) II. 74 Ordanis the justice generale..to sett justice courtis particular quhen neid is for pvnicioun of particular faltis.
a1572 J. Knox Hist. Reformation Scotl. in Wks. (1848) II. 74 Of the Lordis or uthir particular men of this realme.
1601 B. Jonson Fountaine of Selfe-love v. v. sig. L3v Particular paines, particular thankes do aske. View more context for this quotation
1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 205 Of this Prince [sc. Arthur]..there is little particular Memorie. Only..that hee was very studious and learned.
1665 J. Bunyan Holy Citie 27 They were men of a particular and peculiar Spirit.
1705 Boston News-let. 2 July 2/2 That all Persons every where, who have any Hemp growing in this & the Neighbouring Provinces, would use their particular and utmost care to save what Seed they can for the publick benefit.
1739 D. Hume Treat. Human Nature II. iii. 292 None of the direct affections seem to merit our particular attention.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth IV. 319 Its [sc. the nylghau's] manner of fighting is very particular.
1797 Monthly Mag. 3 200 The politician takes up the paper..and tells his friend that it contains nothing particular, when he means that it has nothing important.
1835 H. Miller Scenes & Legends N. Scotl. xxii. 384 Whether a rich man or a poor man one, no one could look at him and doubt of his being a particular man.
1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 406 To tender particular thanks to Anne..for the felicitous suggestion.
1886 T. Hardy Mayor of Casterbridge II. vi. 84 Farfrae set down Elizabeth-Jane, on her expressing a particular wish to alight there.
1925 J. Conrad Suspense i. i. 9 There was certainly no one there to address me as ‘My son’ in that particular tone.
1948 G. Greene Heart of Matter i. i. 6 It seemed to him that no particular interest attached to the squat grey-haired man walking alone up Bond Street.
1988 Paragraph 11 257 The child experienced at the funeral a particular feeling of despair.
2000 M. de Villiers Water (new ed.) ii. v. 91 It's..an unruly jumble of larches..wild cherries and junk woods of no particular lineage.
b. Chiefly English regional. So unusual as to excite attention; peculiar, odd, strange.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [adjective] > strange > so as to excite wonder or surprise
selcouthc888
strangec1374
fremdc1385
particular1712
1712 J. Arbuthnot John Bull Still in Senses iii. 12 Peg..lov'd any thing that was particular..Jack was her man; for he neither thought, spoke, dress'd, nor acted like other Mortals.
1771 J. Wesley Wks. (1872) V. 322 Do we not many times dispense with religion and reason together, because we would not look particular?
1824 J. Hogg Private Mem. Justified Sinner 121 His gait was very particular: He walked as if he had been flat-soled.
1861 ‘G. Eliot’ Silas Marner vi. 96 A partic'lar thing happened,..a very partic'lar thing.
1889 Cornhill Mag. May 480 A vara particler man..was Robert Soothey.
c. Prosody (now chiefly U.S.). Designating any of several modifications of ordinary iambic metres used for hymns. Usually with additional distinguishing word, as common particular metre, long particular metre, short particular metre.
ΚΠ
1850 Parish Hymns 444 Table of Metres... C.P.M...Common Particular Metre.
1890 Cent. Dict. at Meter Long meter may also have six lines to the stanza, and is then called..Long Particular Meter (L. P. M.), with the syllabic scheme 8, 8, 8, 8, 8, 8. Other meters of this class are Common Particular Meter (C. P. M.), 8, 8, 6, 8, 8, 6; Short Particular Meter (S. P. M.), 6, 6, 8, 6, 6, 8 [etc.].
1978 PMLA 93 425/1 Both the common particular meter (8, 8, 6, 8, 8, 6) and the rhyme scheme..remain regular throughout.
d. euphemistic. in a particular condition: pregnant. Cf. (to be) in an interesting condition at interesting adj. 3. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > procreation or reproduction > pregnancy or gestation > [adjective]
greatc1175
with childc1175
with childc1300
baggeda1400
bounda1400
pregnant?a1425
quicka1450
greaterc1480
heavyc1480
teeming1530
great-bellied1533
big1535
boundenc1540
impregnate1540
great-wombeda1550
young with child1566
gravid1598
pregnate1598
pagled1599
enceinte1602
child-great1605
conceived1637
big-bellieda1646
brooding1667
in the (also a) family way1688
in the (also that) way1741
undelivered1799
ensient1818
enwombeda1822
in a delicate condition1827
gestant1851
in pod1890
up the (also a) pole1918
in a particular condition1922
preg?1927
in the spud line1937
up the spout1937
preggy1938
up the stick1941
preggers1942
in pig1945
primigravid1949
preggo1951
in a certain condition1958
gestating1961
up the creek1961
in the (pudding) cluba1966
gravidated-
1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. xiv. [Oxen of the Sun] 398 All these little attentions would enable ladies who were in a particular condition to pass the intervening months in a most enjoyable manner.
6. † b. Of a person giving an account or description: paying attention to detail; precise, specific. Obsolete.
a. Of a description, narrative, etc.: relating to or concerned with the separate elements or parts of a whole; detailed. Of a question: soliciting detailed or specific information. Now archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > [adjective] > going into detail > detailed
specialc1449
particular1548
punctual1611
strict1645
syllabical1647
circumstantiate1649
circumstantiated1654
detaileda1779
intimate1817
inventorial1830
particularized1860
fine-grained1894
pinpoint1960
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. ccxxiii A more playne and perticuler declaracion of the malicious & trayterous intentes of the sayd Elizabeth.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. viii. 130 It was therefore of necessitie that a more curious and particular description should bee made of euery manner of speech.
1609 Wemyss of Bogie MSS in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue (1977) V. xxix. 324/2 Ane perfyte and particular inventar maid of the haill utenseills.
1642 Bp. J. Taylor Of Sacred Order Episcopacy 333 Why are they called Acephali? Nicephorus gives this reason, and withall a very particular account of their heresy... They refused to live under Bishops.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. ii. i. 47 The particular Description of the several Instruments.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver II. iv. ix. 132 The only Debate that ever happened in that Country; whereof my Master after his Return gave me a very particular Account.
1786 T. Jefferson Writings (1859) I. 536 It is as particular as the four-sheet maps from which it is taken.
1798 Times 28 June 1/4 To be prepared..true and particular Lists, signed by them or their Agents, to be made out in the form prescribed.
1813 J. Austen Let. 26 Oct. (1995) 244 Your Saturday's Letter..was quite as long & as particular as I could expect.
1854 H. D. Thoreau Walden 5 I should not obtrude my affairs so much on the notice of my readers if very particular inquiries had not been made by my townsmen concerning my mode of life.
1891 G. B. Shaw Quintessence of Ibsenism iii. 45 I may at last proceed to give some more particular account of Ibsen's work.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 712/2 Almanach de Gotha..gives a particular account of all the royal and princely families of Europe.
1967 Bull. Entomol. Res. 57 392 The autoecology of Antestia spp. (Pentatomidae) with a particular account of a strepsipterous parasite.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > [adjective]
describinga1586
descriptory1586
descriptionate1593
descriptive1593
particular1607
diegematical1624
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > [adjective] > going into detail
particularizing1598
particular1607
1607 B. Jonson Volpone Ep. Ded. sig. ¶2v Where haue I bin particular? Where personall, except to a Mimick, Cheater, [etc.] ? View more context for this quotation
1732 True & Faithful Narr. in J. Swift Misc. III. ii. 256 I think my self oblig'd to be very particular in this Relation, lest my Veracity should be suspected.
1803 J. Porter Thaddeus of Warsaw I. i. 10 I am thus particular in the relation of every incident.
1818 J. Keats Endymion iii. 127 Young man of Latmos! thus particular Am I, that thou may'st plainly see how far This fierce temptation went.
7. † b. Especially attentive or friendly to someone; familiar in behaviour or manner; ingratiating. Obsolete.
a. Of a friend or a friendship: close, familiar, intimate. Now passing into sense A. 5a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [adjective] > intimate or familiar > closely associated or acquainted
fastOE
specialc1390
near1523
inward1535
close1577
particular1588
lié1855
solid1882
1588 R. Lane in T. Hariot Briefe Rep. Virginia To Rdr. sig. A2 I haue beene requested by some my particular friends, who conceiue more rightly of me, to deliuer freely my knowledge of the same.
a1713 T. Ellwood Hist. Life (1714) 3 I became an early and particular Play-fellow to her Daughter Guli.
1781 R. B. Sheridan Critic ii. ii These are particular friends of mine.
a1817 J. Austen Lady Susan xi, in Wks. (1954) VI. 259 On terms of the most particular friendship.
1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) i. 5 Paul my dear, my very particular friend Miss Tox.
1892 R. L. Stevenson & L. Osbourne Wrecker viii. 130 No man ever embarked upon a milder course of dissipation, most of his days being passed in the little parlour behind Black Tom's public-house, with a select corps of old particular acquaintances.
1925 H. W. Brecht Two Heroes in Harper's Sept. 480/2 As Malcolm walked..into the sixth grade room, he wished that his particular friend, Dick Angell were there.
1957 Africa 27 29 The District Head..may request that the praise-songs of title-holders who are his particular friends..should also be sung.
2002 Express & Echo (Exeter) (Nexis) 19 Nov. 20 She and her family were neighbours and friends.., and their daughter, Fay, was a particular friend of hers.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disrespect > [adjective] > by undue familiarity
familiara1393
over-familiar1529
overfree1570
particular1612
1612 B. Jonson Alchemist iv. i. sig. H4 Mam... Sweet Madame, le'me be particular. Dol. Particular, Sir? I pray you know your distance. View more context for this quotation
1694 W. Congreve Double-dealer iii. i. 35 So unaffected, so easie, so free, so particular, so agreeable.
1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 234 He singl'd me out, and was very particular with me.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones IV. xi. iv. 124 Never suffer this Fellow to be particular with you again. View more context for this quotation
1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker I. 197 I must tell you in confidence, he was a little particular; but, perhaps, I mistake his complaisance; and I wish I may, for his sake.
1826 J. Galt Last of Lairds xix. 168 It was said you were particular to auld Captain Hawser o' the press-gang.
1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xxix. 295 If I..have ever had any lingering thought that Mr. Dombey was inclined to be particular towards me, surely you will not condemn me.
8. Attentive to the details of activities and arrangements; careful, precise, or scrupulous. Hence: exacting; fastidious.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > [adjective] > scrupulously careful or attentive to detail
curious1570
nice1589
particular1616
scrupulous1638
elaborate1649
morose1695
minutiose1868
minutious1891
meticulous1952
the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > fastidiousness > [adjective]
chisa700
estfula1000
esquaymous1303
squeamousc1325
overnicec1350
curiousc1380
dangerousc1386
delicatea1393
preciousc1395
nicec1400
skigc1400
over-delicatea1425
daintethc1430
ticklec1456
quaint1483
dauncha1500
pickinga1500
feat?1529
elegant?1533
queasy1545
fine1546
fine-fingered1549
fastidious?1555
fine-mouthed1559
chary1567
weamish1571
saucy1573
dainty1576
superfine1576
niced1577
overcurious1579
nicing1581
fineish1582
prick-me-dainty1583
daint1590
finical1592
tiptoe-nice1593
nice1594
nicking1598
choice1601
squeamish1608
marchpane1609
hypercritical1611
particular1616
finicking1661
overcritical1667
just so1696
penurious1703
fal-lal1747
ogertful1754
nackety1756
quiddling1789
pernickety1808
pershittie1808
taffety1814
hypercritic1820
faddy1824
finicky1825
meticulous1827
daintified1834
squeamy1838
picksome1855
choosey1862
picky1867
hyperaesthetic1879
persnickety1885
précieux1891
perskeet1897
tasty1905
Nice Nelly1922
perfectionist1942
snicketya1960
perfectionistic1968
1616 B. Jonson Cynthias Revels (rev. ed.) v. iv, in Wks. I. 241 I assure you, although no bred courtling, yet a most particular man.
1701 T. Baker Humour of Age v. i. 55 But your Bookish Virtuoso sort of People are generally very particular.
1712 S. Centlivre Perplex'd Lovers i. i. 2 Bast. You are very particular. Tim. I love punctual dealings, Sir.
1781 R. B. Sheridan Trip to Scarborough i. i. 5 I must charge the landlord to be very particular where he stows this.
1814 Duke of Wellington Dispatches (1838) 11 June XII. 50 I am very particular about the appointment of my chaplains.
1865 H. Kingsley Hillyars & Burtons xxviii More particular over their rations than any corn-stalk cockatoo.
1879 W. Black Macleod of Dare xviii People who have to work for their living must not be too particular.
1901 M. Franklin My Brilliant Career xvii. 150 The boss is so dashed partickler too.
1915 W. Cather Song of Lark iii. i. 253 ‘He'd tried a good many jobs,’ Thea added musingly; ‘perhaps he was too particular about the kind he could take, for he never picked up much.’
1932 Punch 2 Nov. 488/1 He was rather particular what he ate and drank.
1988 G. Adair Holy Innocents 50 Both Danielle and he were particular about sharing toothbrushes.
2003 Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nexis) 14 Feb. 1 We will not sacrifice quality. We're very particular about quality control.
B. n.† 2. A part, division, or section of a whole (in quot. a1513: an instalment of payment); a constituent part or element; spec. a division of an argument or discourse. In early use also: an organ or part of the body (cf. particle n. 1). Obsolete.† 5. † 6.
1. † c. A statement giving the details of a thing; a detailed account, description, or enumeration; a minute. Obsolete.
a. A minute or subordinate part of something, considered separately from the rest; a (single) circumstance, detail, or feature; an item or point.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > [noun] > quality of being specific or detailed > a detail or particular
circumstances?c1225
parcela1325
partya1393
specialc1405
particular?a1425
partc1425
specialityc1443
specialty1449
especialityc1460
particularity1528
respect1533
severals1606
especial1633
particularment1642
retail1644
instance1649
circumstantiality1854
?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 165v (MED) Þat þat proffiteþ to one noyeþ to anoþer..for diuersite of particulerez of complexionz of folkes [c1425 Paris dyuerste of þe particulere complexioun of þe folke; L. diversitatem particularium complexionum gencium].
1445 in E. A. Webb Rec. St. Bartholomew's Priory I. 500 (MED) Jhn. Bell..knowes the truth of the matter in that particular..please hit youre said gode lordship the premisses considere..and doo and prescribe in that particular.
1533–4 Act 25 Hen. VIII c. 12 As by the particulers therof here after..shalbe expressed.
1555 R. Eden tr. G. F. de Oviedo y Valdés Summarie Gen. Hist. W. Indies in tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 176v This particular of the mynes of gold, is a thing greatly to bee noted.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 ii. v. 380 Examine me vpon the particulars of my life. View more context for this quotation
1622 J. Borough Let. in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) 130 A private Library..to be sold, and [I] am promised a Catalogue of the particulars.
1683 T. Robinson in J. Ray Corr. (1848) 137 The Seseli pratense Monspeliens agrees with our English Meadow Saxifrage in every particular.
1790 W. Paley Horæ Paulinæ Rom. i. 10 Turn..to the second epistle..and you will discover the particular which remains to be sought for.
1844 Ld. Brougham Albert Lunel I. iii. 67 Every particular of it remains deeply engraven on my memory.
1883 R. L. Stevenson Treasure Island i. vi. 51 The map of an island, with latitude and longitude..and every particular that would be needed to bring a ship to a safe anchorage upon its shores.
1920 R. Fry Vision & Design 3 It is true that in one small particular the reaction did have a direct effect.
1969 P. Roth Portnoy's Complaint 72 Only that one knew exactly, and down to the smallest particular, how a center fielder should conduct himself.
1992 N. Postman Technopoly iii. 41 Arkwright..exemplified in every particular the type of nineteenth-century entrepreneur to come.
2000 M. Kneale Eng. Passengers (2001) iii. 84 Besides, it was true enough, apart from a couple of little tiddling particulars that I'd forgot.
b. In plural. Detailed information about a person or thing; items or details of information; a detailed account. Also spec.: detailed instructions relating to the fulfilment of an order or contract.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > [noun] > quality of being specific or detailed > a detail or particular > details or particulars
particulars1559
severals1609
circumstantial1647
1559 W. Baldwin in W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Ep. sig. C.iiv I purpose not to stand here vppon the particulers, because they be in part set furth in the tragedyes.
1577 J. Sharpe Let. 2 Apr. in R. V. Agnew Corr. P. Waus (1887) I. 142 Thar is mony particularis quhilkis at the present I man leiff to wryit.
1584 A. Barlowe in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1589) iii. 733 We haue acquainted you with the particulars of our discouerie.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) i. ii. 50 But how, but how, giue me particulars . View more context for this quotation
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant i. 74 A French man..told me all the particulars, and the order of it very exactly.
1716 London Gaz. No. 5445/3 Particulars of the said Estate may be had.
1784 E. Allen Reason viii. §3. 328 A more particular account of this new sectary has been lately published in a pamphlet by a Mr Rathburn, who..after a while apostarised [sic] from the faith, and has since announced to the world the particulars of their doctrines and conduct.
1830 S. Smith Mem. & Lett. (1855) II. 305 I have not heard the particulars of Jeffrey becoming Lord Advocate.
1833 C. Dickens Let. ?Jan. (1965) I. 14 I am so anxious to hear the particklers.
1891 Daily News 23 Oct. [Bradford] There is an absence of orders, but ‘particulars’ come to hand without delay and keep spinners fully employed.
a1901 W. Besant Five Years' Tryst (1902) 197 I shall be prepared to give you further particulars as to the persons to whom this sum is due.
1930 W. H. Auden Poems 55 And recent particulars come to mind.
1964 C. Chaplin My Autobiogr. v. 75 He ushers me into the adjoining office and took my name and address and all particulars.
2001 Chicago Tribune 17 Dec. iii. 13/3 Nanni wouldn't discuss the particulars of that contract.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > record > written record > [noun] > minutes
minute1443
copy of a conference1588
verbal process1590
particularc1600
consulto1659
procès-verbal1807
consulta1877
Mike1986
the mind > language > speech > narration > description or act of describing > [noun] > complete, exact, or detailed > a detailed description
icon1579
particularc1600
character1651
detail1695
c1600 J. Dymmok Treat. Ireland (1842) 26 A perticuler of such strengths and fastness of woode and bogge as are in every province of Irelande.
1630 tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdomes World (rev. ed.) 521 I have seene a particular of his daily expences.
1693 tr. J. Le Clerc Mem. Count Teckely iii. 82 A loose Sheet..in which they made a Particular of the Cruelties which had been practised against several Persons of Note.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 337 There was a Letter of my Partner's..giving me an Account how the Estate was improv'd, and what it produced a Year, with a Particular of the Number of Squares or Acres that it contained.
1720 H. Purefoy Let. 9 July in G. Eland Purefoy Lett. (1931) II. App. B. 440 I send you inclosed a particular of my estate which I think, since money is plentiful, I can't do better than dispose of it.
1786 Ld. North Let. 6 Jan. in S. J. Davey Catal. Autogr. Lett. (1895) 28 I send you the descriptive Particular of Cudworth corrected according to my last letter from the country and as I believe perfectly accurate.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > payment > [noun] > payment by instalment or part-payment > an instalment
parcelc1400
particular?a1425
onward1496
instalment1776
kist1799
the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > part of whole > [noun] > one of the parts into which anything is divided > of a subject or action
joint1303
particularity1528
article1577
particular1601
detail1786
?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 7 Knowyng þe nature of euery particler [?c1425 Paris lyme; L. particularum] & also þe posicions & plasmacions which þai haue in al þe body..þu shalt redely knowe if a nerue be kut.
c1475 ( Surg. Treat. in MS Wellcome 564 f. 116v (MED) Þou schalt fynde dietynge of woundis in þe heed and also of oþere particuler in general.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. xvv For the which..he payed vnto the Archebisshop .iii. M. marke, and to the other by partyculers xv. M. marke.
1601 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero Trauellers Breuiat 28 Let vs deuide the discourse..into fower particulars.
1630 tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdomes World (rev. ed.) 496 The ancient Provinces were divided into three particulars.
1650 Truth's Confl. with Error ii. 54 If you please to minde the first particular in the ii. Verse (For) which is a Rationative Particle.
1663 Marquis of Worcester Water-comm. Engine 14 The Engine consisteth of the following Particulars.
1694 W. Salmon Pharmacopœia Bateana i. vi. 195/2 This done, put in the several Particulars into the Liquor.
1732 J. Swift Proposal to pay off Debt of Nation in Considerations Two Bills (new ed.) 24 The Question will then be..how I can make good the several Particulars of my Proposal, which I shall now lay open to the Publick.
1859 W. Anderson Discourses (1860) 17 In constructing the systematic argument, a ‘particular’, as it is called, will be bestowed on the Divine mercy.
3.
a. Logic. A particular proposition. See sense A. 1b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical proposition > [noun] > universal proposition > subsidiary proposition
subalternc1475
particulara1500
lemma1570
hypothesis1596
subalternate1651
under-proposition1691
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Famylyer Dyaloge Freende & Felaw (Sion Coll. London) (1989) 22 Thou hast lerned that to the trowthe of an vnyuersal foloweth the trouthe of a pertyculer but not the contrary.
1553 R. Eden in tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India To Rdr. sig. Aiii A pertiler proueth no vniuersall.
1620 T. Granger Syntagma Logicum 318 Inverted Method, is when particulars are disposed before universals.
1697 tr. F. Burgersdijck Monitio Logica ii. 27 Now Indefinite Propositions are all here taken for Particulars.
1826 R. Whately Elements Logic Index 339 Subaltern opposition, is between a Universal and a Particular of the same Quality.
1870 W. S. Jevons Elem. Lessons Logic ix. 78 Of subalterns, the particular is true if the universal be true.
1902 J. M. Baldwin Dict. Philos. & Psychol. II. 740/1 Universal predication as defined by Aristotle in the fourth chapter of the first book of the Posterior Analytics, where it is defined as the negative of the particular.
1934 Philos. Rev. 43 210 [Pierce's] theory of the syllogism..is based on the alien dictum..that universals do not and particulars do affirm existence.
1953 I. M. Copi Introd. Logic v. 134 A universal proposition and its corresponding particular.
b. Now chiefly Philosophy. A particular case or instance; an individual thing in relation to the whole class. Chiefly in plural (opposed to generals or universals).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > an individual case or instance > [noun]
particularity1574
particular1609
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets xci. sig. F3v But these perticulers are not my measure, All these I better in one generall best. View more context for this quotation
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan i. vi. 29 Reasoning is in generall words; but Deliberation for the most part is of Particulars.
1690 J. Locke Human Understanding IV. xi. §13 Having the Idea of an Elephant, Phoenix, Motion, or an Angel, the first and natural enquiry is, Whether such a thing does any where exist? And this Knowledge is only of Particulars.
1722 W. Wollaston Relig. of Nature iii. 41 We reason about particulars, or from them; but not by them.
1773 Ld. Monboddo Orig. & Progress of Lang. (1774) I. i. i. 5 These conceptions are either of particulars, viz. individual things, or of generals.
1874 W. Wallace tr. G. W. F. Hegel Logic Introd. §13. 18 When the universal is made a mere form and coordinated with the particular, as if it were on the same level, it sinks into a particular itself.
1972 A. J. Ayer Russell ii. 37 He has provisionally admitted the distinction between particulars and universals, and that between qualities and relations, but it may be doubted whether these distinctions are ultimate.
1991 Word 42 254 Locke accepts the idea that general terms can be used to signify or represent actual particulars.
4. † b. in the particular: in the particular case; with regard to the individual instance. Opposed to in the general (see general adj. and n. Phrases 2d). Obsolete.
a. With the. That which is particular, as opposed to general, universal, etc.; †the individual (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > [noun] > quality of being particular or not general > that which is
particular1551
singulars1643
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Sjv The disceipt is, from the particular to the vniuersall.
1588 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha (new ed.) ii. vii. 223 To me, that am desirous to follow some order, and Methode of discourse, the generall must alwayes go before the particular.
1631 R. Bolton Instr. Right Comf. Affl. Consciences 35 Thou mightest haue bin that, either for the kinde, or for the particular.
1632 T. Hawkins tr. P. Matthieu Vnhappy Prosperitie 259 It is the interest both of the particular, and publike, that the wicked perish, and the good prosper.
1792 G. Colman Surrender of Calais iii. 52 Justice, Madam,..is comprehensive in effect; and when she points her sword to the particular, she aims at general good.
1818 S. T. Coleridge Friend III. i. iv. 150 That union and interpenetration of the universal and the particular, which must ever pervade all works of decided genius and true science.
1870 J. H. Newman Ess. Gram. Assent i. v. 135 Religion has to do with the real, and the real is the particular.
1959 P. F. Strawson Individuals v. 168 To the characterizing tie between Socrates and the universal, dying, there corresponds the attributive tie between Socrates and the particular, his death.
1995 Church Times 20 Oct. 13/5 He replied with sympathy and dignity, but in a way that did not debilitate the discussion by moving it from the general to the particular.
2000 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 15 June 64/3 This representation, which Eco labels a Cognitive Type (CT), proceeds from the particular to the general.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > an individual case or instance > in the particular case [phrase]
in the individual1613
in the particular1639
1639 G. Digby in G. Digby & K. Digby Lett. conc. Relig. (1651) 41 I doe not think him more in the wrong in the particular, then I believe him right in the generall.
1823 I. D'Israeli Curiosities of Lit. 2nd Ser. II. 176 This critic was right in the main, but not by the by; in the general, not in the particular.
1827 A. W. Fonblanque Eng. under Seven Admin. (1837) I. 44 Though Mr. Canning was often in the general the avowed enemy of oppression, we never in any one single instance found him so in the particular.
1860 R. W. Emerson Conduct of Life iii. 1002 The hideous animalcules of which our bodies are built up—which, offensive in the particular, yet compose valuable and effective masses.
a. A person's individual case; a personal concern or interest. for one's particular: for one's part (see part n.1 Phrases 1b). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > individual [phrase] > in his, its, etc., self > for one's own part
a (also in, of) party1372
for one's (own) parta1393
of his behalfa1500
for one's particular1565
on (also upon) one's own account1609
for my (his, etc.) share1643
1565 in Cal. State Papers Scotl. (1900) II. 204 As I will nocht..for my perticuleir be ane hynder..to the welefair of ane commoun cause.
1580 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1880) 1st Ser. III. 324 Nawyis willing to impeid the publick peax for his particular.
1623 J. Heminges & H. Condell in W. Shakespeare Comedies, Hist. & Trag. Ep. Ded. sig. A2 Whilst we studie to be thankful in our particular, for the many fauors we haue receiued.
1657 W. Rand tr. P. Gassendi Mirrour of Nobility 281 This losse..concerns the whole Common-wealth, as much as mine own particular.
1704 J. Swift Tale of Tub v. For my own particular, I cannot deny, that whatever I have said upon this occasion, had been more proper in a preface, and more agreeable to the mode which usually directs it there.
1724 W. Warburton Misc. Transl. 22 To return from the common Cause to what concerns our Particular.
1790 W. Cowper Let. 31 Dec. (1982) III. 449 We have all admired it..and for my own particular I return you my sincerest thanks.
1811 Breefe Mem. Spottiswood 74 Some Noblemen & Councellours (who regarded their own particulars more than his honour).
1877–8 H. Taylor Philip Van Arteveld i. ii in Wks. I. 6 Then for your person, (Which for my own particular I love,) 'Tis said that you are hideous to behold.
b. Personal advantage or profit. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > relation in respect of > a person's
noteeOE
commodity1410
servicea1450
interess1452
commodomec1547
commodie1575
interest1579
particular1597
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie Ded. sig. A5v Such as doth not propose to it selfe τὸἴδιον our owne particular the partiall and immoderate desire wherof poisoneth wheresoeuer it taketh place.
a1617 Sir J. Melville Mem. Own Life (1735) 297 Some of the Lords whose Particulars he promised to set forward.
1653 in E. Nicholas Nicholas Papers (1892) II. 17 If the gentleman had kept all the allowance for his own particular, I should have doubted his affection.
c. A private matter. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > duties > [noun] > a duty or piece of business > private
particulara1617
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [noun] > private matter or business
counsel1377
secrec1386
secret1450
chamber counsela1616
privatea1616
particulara1617
privacya1625
confidence1748
a1617 Sir J. Melville Mem. Own Life (1735) 66 My Companion told the Emperor, that I had a Particular with his Majesty.
1653 in E. Nicholas Nicholas Papers (1892) II. 22 Going to England in about a fortnight upon some particulars of his own.
a. An individual, a person. Also spec.: a person not holding a public office. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > people > person > [noun] > individual person
headOE
polla1350
singular1420
specialc1450
individuala1500
particular1576
monad1855
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > [noun] > person not holding public position
particular1576
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > [noun] > an individual thing or person > person
singular man or person?c1400
individuala1500
particular1576
individuality1775
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > the common people of any group > [noun] > person > holding no office
private1483
particular1576
1576 in J. D. Marwick Extracts Rec. Burgh Glasgow (1876) I. 51 That sindrye sewerall peces of oure communitie..ar gevin and set furth to sum particularis be your lordship.
1585 in Cal. State Papers Scotl. (1914) VIII. 129 Bot we fand this particulewer assured in himself of your honors good mynd toward him.
1607 B. Barnes Divils Charter i. iv. sig. B4 Those warres which vertue leuies against vice, Are onely knowne to some particulers Which haue them wrytten in their consciences.
1616 B. Jonson Cynthias Revels (rev. ed.) v. iv, in Wks. I. 241 And, for your spectators, you behold them, what they are: The most choice particulars in court.
1656 Earl of Monmouth tr. T. Boccalini Ragguagli di Parnasso ii. vi. 211 [This] was publiquely praised by all, and in private abhorred by every particular.
1741 W. Warburton Divine Legation Moses II. 30 Ahimelech is described without his guards..as a simple particular.
1766 Museum Rusticum 6 75 In the case of a few particulars, who have public spirit, and private ability sufficient to lead them.
b. A single thing among a number of others, considered by itself; an individual article or thing. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > specific numbers > one > [noun] > one thing > one of several
particular1592
unit1600
singular1640
1592 A. Day 2nd Pt. Eng. Secretorie sig. M3v, in Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) Synecdoche, when by one particular we vnderstand a number.
1651 T. Hobbes De Cive ii. vii They imagine that there may be a certaine Form of Government compounded of those three kinds we have spoken of, yet different from each particular.
1660 R. Sharrock Hist. Propagation & Improvem. Veg. 3 The ways of increasing the particulars of each kinde.
1691 J. Ray Wisdom of God 214 That they [sc. vertebres] should be all perforated in the middle..and each particular have a hole on each side.
1743 in New Jersey Archives XII. 190 The above Particulars were stolen by one Robert Fryar.
1857 ‘B. Cornwall’ Dramatic Scenes ii. i. 208 Get thou to Raffaelle, fellow. Bid him sketch for thee each particular, The scene, the groups, the—all.
7. † b. Close acquaintance or relationship; intimacy; personal favour or regard. Obsolete. rare.
a. slang. A special friend; a favourite; a sweetheart. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [noun] > friend > close or intimate friend
belamy?c1225
friarc1290
specialc1300
necessaryc1384
familiar?c1400
great frienda1425
gossea1549
particular1577
shopfellow?1577
cockmate1578
privado1584
bosom friend1590
better half1596
ingle1602
inward1607
bully boy1609
bosom-piecea1625
hail-fellow1650
bosom-bird1655
intimate1660
crony1665
intimado1682
chum1684
friend of one's bosom1712
right bower1829
inquaintancea1834
cad1836
chummy1849
bond-friend1860
raggie1901
bosom1913
aceboy1951
boon coon1951
mellow1967
squeeze1980
acegirl2009
1577 N. Throckmorton Let. 3 Mar. in W. Robertson Hist. Scotl. (1759) II. App. 72 Your own particulars are not contented, lat by [= let alone] the rest.
1700 M. Pix Beau Defeated iii. 19 Besides him, I have two or three Interlopers, each fancying himself my Particular, when, for my part, I care not a straw for any of 'em.
1735 J. Miller Man of Taste iv. 59 Know him, Madam! why he's my Intimate, my Particular, my very Shield and Buckler.
1749 J. Cleland Mem. Woman of Pleasure II. 57 The whole company..now consisted of four gentlemen, including my particular (this was the cant-term of the house for one's gallant for the time).
1828 W. Carr Dial. Craven (ed. 2) Particulars, old particulars, very old friends.
1842 T. P. Thompson Exercises I. 285 Except you and your particulars, who are living on the taxes.
1854 A. E. Baker Gloss. Northants. Words II. 95 They are very old particulars.
1902 J. S. Farmer Slang Particular,..a favorite mistress: Fr. une particulière.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [noun] > intimacy
privitya1250
nearnessc1485
familiarness1539
inwardness1578
greatnessa1586
privatenessa1586
entireness1599
habitude1612
gossiprya1614
strictnessc1614
mutualitiesa1616
particulara1616
intimity1617
privancy1622
privacy1638
intimacy1641
intimateness1642
familiarity1664
throng1768
closeness1851
close harmony1876
innerliness1888
insociation1893
dearness-
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) v. i. 3 He..Which was sometime his Generall: who loued him In a most deere particular . View more context for this quotation
1631 J. Weever Anc. Funerall Monuments 797 Out of his particular to their Towne, hee procured of Queene Elizabeth a Charter of Incorporation.
c. colloquial. A thing specially characteristic of a place or person; a person's special choice or favourite thing; (sometimes) spec. a kind of Madeira.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > free will > choice or choosing > types of choice > [noun] > choosing as more desirable > a preference > one's special preference
taste1739
particular1801
one's cup of tea1932
in the groove1958
1794 J. M. Pintard Invoice 15 Aug. in G. Washington Papers (2011) Presidential Ser. XVI. 567 (note) 2 pipes of Old particular Madeira Wine £76.]
1801 T. Newton Let. 12 Mar. in T. Jefferson Papers (2006) XXXIII. 258 I have just arived a consignment of old Madeira wines; Brasil Quality & London Particular, from a Portugeze house.
1807 Salmagundi ii. Acc. Friends I uncorked a bottle of London particular.
1860 F. Greenwood & J. Greenwood Under Cloud I. ix. 187 The little keg of ‘particular’, on which he still keeps a favouring eye.
1902 J. S. Farmer Slang Particular,..a special choice: e.g. to ‘ride one's own particular’, ‘a glass of one's particular’, etc.
C. adv.
Particularly; †individually (obsolete). Now colloquial and English regional.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > [adverb] > individually (not collectively)
sunderlyeOE
sundryOE
sundrilyOE
sunderlepesOE
serelepesc1175
serelya1375
severinglya1390
sunderlingc1390
properlya1393
serea1400
severally1399
departinglya1425
diviselyc1449
severately1470
sunderwisea1550
separately1552
disjunctively1590
semovedly1593
distributively1597
particular1599
dividedly1607
dividually1631
separatively1789
1599 Househ. Bks. James VI & Anne 31 May Allowit as the perticular subscryueit warrand beiris.
1615 W. Adams Let. 29 Oct. in A. Farrington Eng. Factory in Japan (1991) I. 335 I will delliver them p'ticular to them that you hav derected too. I have receved a lleter p'ticular about the abeus.
1718 C. Cibber Non-juror iv. 47 To shew my particular good Opinion of you, I'll do you a Favour, Mr. Charles.
1836 T. C. Haliburton Clockmaker 1st Ser. in R. Brown & D. Bennett Anthol. Canad. Lit. in Eng. (1982) 57 A considerable fair traveller, and most particular good bottom.
1861 C. Dickens Great Expectations II. viii. 121 He wishes me most particular to write what larks.
c1875 ‘Brenda’ Froggy's Little Brother (new ed.) ii. 22 I feels quite well, sir..and I wants to go home partiklar.
1897 J. C. Snaith Fierceheart xii It's nashgab on the pairt o' him, ye ken, tae say he was ‘perticular fou’.
1900 Windsor Mag. Apr. 614 He wanted a clean shirt Zatday and best clothes, and brushed his hat partic'ler.
1988 G. Lamb Orkney Wordbk. Parteeclar, he's gettan on parteeclar efter his operation.
Phrases
in particular adv.† 1. One by one; individually, separately; in detail. Obsolete.† 3. Privately; in private. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > individual [phrase] > individually or separately
by sundriesc1450
in particular1502
in severalty1588
in several1592
in severality1665
1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) i. vi. sig. e.iiii v For to declare what is to be seen of euery artycle in partyculer.
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Cor. xii. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular [R.V. severally members thereof] . View more context for this quotation
1653 A. Collins Divine Songs & Meditacions 15 It is Faith with which we must apply, The merrits of our blessed Redeemer And to our selves each in particuler.
1737 S. Berington Mem. G. di Lucca 20 Every Thing in General and Particular, we could think of.
2. As one distinguished from others of a number; especially, particularly. †in more particular: more particularly (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or extraordinary > especially or particularly [phrase]
hure and hurea1175
in special1389
in especialc1390
in speciallyc1450
with (also by, in, of) specialtyc1450
in particular1502
in speciality1543
in peculiar1607
of (also with) a specialty1686
1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) i. ii. sig. b.ii v It apperteyneth in partyculer & in especyal vnto ye godfaders & godmoders.
1601 B. Jonson Fountaine of Selfe-love iv. iii. sig. H3 But in particuler, your long die-Note did arride me most.
1629 W. Sclater, Jr. in W. Sclater 3 Serm. Ep. Ded. The other is, your vndeserued fauours towards my selfe in more particular.
1633 T. May Reigne Henry II iii. sig. E4v Oh what respects of private honour are To be in ballance put with these. but let Me speake in more particular.
1732 J. Wesley Wks. (1830) I. 163 I observing the tears run down the cheeks of one of them in particular.
1859 J. W. Carlyle Let. 21 Oct. in Lett. & Memorials (1883) III. 16 Ready to swear at ‘things in general’, and some things in particular.
1879 J. Payn in 19th Cent. Dec. 994 The Bar, with its high road leading indeed to the woolsack, but with a hundred by-ways leading nowhere in particular.
1915 L. M. Montgomery Anne of Island xix. 181 Anne, there's one thing in particular I like about you—you're so ungrudging.
1956 A. Huxley Heaven & Hell 38 The most transporting..representation of ‘the Cherubim’ are those which show them..doing nothing in particular.
1993 Cricket World 3 Apr. 7/4 The sharpening bite of persistent economic recession has had its destructive effect on recreational sport generally and cricket in particular.
2002 Grocer 9 Mar. 50/1 We are presenting new products at the show, in particular a range of Jamaican patties.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adverb]
privement?c1225
privilya1250
asidesc1384
out of commonaltya1400
privatelyc1425
privatec1443
asidec1460
in private1469
under the rose1546
closely1552
on private1582
in particular1585
retiredly1599
sotto voce1819
in camera1826
on the quiet1856
on the (strict) q.t.1885
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. xxii. 112 b They are waged either publikely, or of som in particular.
1702 Eng. Theophrastus 162 Preachers who offering us the kingdom of Heaven in publick, sollicit in particular a small benefice with the utmost importunity.
Compounds
C1. † particular-fashioned adj. Obsolete
ΚΠ
1727 J. G. Scheuchzer tr. E. Kæmpfer Hist. Japan I. iii. ii. 208 At the entry of the walk, which leads to the temple, stands..a particular fashion'd gate, call'd Torij.
1767 ‘Coriat Junior’ Another Traveller! I. 318 Rail at the believer, wrapt up in a particular-fashioned habit.
C2. † particular number n. Obsolete rare each of the numbers of which a given number is the sum.† particular tenant n. Law Obsolete the tenant of a particular estate.
particular affirmative n. Logic a proposition of the form ‘some X is Y’; cf. sense A. 1b, particular negative n.Symbol I: see I n.1 4.
ΚΠ
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Gvijv I dothe signifie a particular affirmatiue. O. doth signifie a particular negatiue.
1696 J. Sergeant Method to Sci. iii. ii. 237 All Propositions..must be either Universal Affirmatives or Universal Negatives, Particular Affirmatives, or Particular Negatives.
1773 E. Bentham Introd. Logick ii. ii. 42 An universal affirmative can be converted with certainty only into a particular affirmative; as, All Men are Animals, into Some Animals are Men.
1870 A. Bain Logic i. 115 These obverted forms are Particular Affirmatives, and are therefore converted simply.
1906 C. E. Hooper Anat. Knowl. i. xiii. 50 The Particular Affirmative has, as its principal forms:—Some X's are Y (e.g., Some plants are sensitive); [etc.].
1999 Bull. Symbolic Logic 5 457 Similarly, the particular affirmative is equivalent to its converse, since ab ≠ 0 is equivalent to ba ≠ 0.
Particular Baptist n. a member of a Baptist denomination holding the doctrine of particularism (opposed to General Baptist).
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > sect > Christianity > Protestantism > Baptists > sects and groups > [noun] > particular
Particular Baptist1717
Regular Baptist?1792
1717 (title) Rules and Orders of the Particular Baptist Fund.
1738 T. Crosby Hist. Eng. Baptists I. 173 Those that have followed the Calvinistical scheme of doctrines, and from the principal point therein, personal election, have been termed Particular Baptists.
1841 T. Moore Poet. Wks. iii. ix. 303 Well, my dear, of all men, that Particular Baptist At preaching a sermon, off hand, was the aptest.
1876 W. Besant & J. Rice Golden Butterfly II. xv. 231 A face which..conveyed the impression of a Particular Baptist who was also in the oil trade.
1970 Redemption Tidings 26 Nov. 3/1 Like all Christians, the orthodox Particular Baptists were affected by Wesleyanism in one way or another.
2002 Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram (Nexis) 27 June (Lifestyle section) ‘Baptists have never been uni-vocal,’ Lumpkin says. ‘Even in the 1600s, there were General and Particular Baptists who had differences.’
particular estate n. Law (now historical) the first of the two or more successive estates into which it was formerly possible to divide a legal estate in land; an estate in actual possession, as opposed to any remainder (see quot. 1875).
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > right to succeed to title, position, or estate > succession > [noun] > descent by inheritance > that which is inherited > residue of an estate
remainder1394
remnantc1400
residue1411
remainera1450
remainder over1523
remanant1528
particular estate1590
remaindment1629
subtract1641
residuum1663
1590 W. West Συμβολαιογραϕία ii. §311. sig. DDiij He which hath the next immediate remainder or reuersion thereof shall also haue the particuler estate of the same in possession.
1628 E. Coke 1st Pt. Inst. Lawes Eng. 251 b A particular estate of any thing that lies in grant cannot be forfeited by any grant in fee by deed.
1630 Use of Law (new ed.) 60 in F. Bacon Elements Common Lawes The Reuersion is an estate left in the giuer, after a particular estate made by him for Yeares, Life, or Entaile.
1642 tr. J. Perkins Profitable Bk. viii. §495. 217 Upon which particular estate the remainder is expectant.
1875 K. E. Digby Introd. Hist. Law Real Prop. v. 186 The smaller estate thus granted is called the ‘particular’ estate.
1982 Halsbury's Laws Eng. xxxix. 323 Before 1926, the legal estate in fee simple in land could be divided into two or more successive estates. The first was the estate in possession, and was called the ‘particular estate’.
1990 D. Roebuck Background of Common Law 74 If Frank granted land to George for life, then to Henry and his heirs, George had a particular estate and Henry had the remainder.
particular integral n. Mathematics (a) a solution of a differential equation obtained by assigning values to the arbitrary constants of the complete primitive of the equation; †(b) a solution of a differential equation that cannot be obtained by assigning values to any or all of the arbitrary constants of the complete primitive; a singular solution (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > calculus > [noun] > differential calculus > differential equations > solutions
particular integral1814
Bessel function1872
Mathieu function1915
1814 P. Barlow New Math. & Philos. Dict. Particular Integral, in the Integral Calculus, is that which arises in the integration of any differential equation, by giving a particular value to the arbitrary quantity or quantities that enter into the general integral.
1820 G. Peacock Coll. Examples Differential & Integral Calculus ii. xi. 477 A particular integral of the original equation, involving only one arbitrary function.
a1832 Encycl. Metrop. (1845) II. 23 This value of y satisfies the proposed equation; but as it cannot be derived from the complete integral we have obtained above by assuming a particular value for one of the arbitrary constants, it ought to be considered as a particular integral.
1946 L. Toft & A. T. J. Kersey Theory of Machines (ed. 5) xiv. 417 If X is a fuction of t, which satisfies (1), it is known as a particular integral.
1997 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 453 2612 On transforming back to u we have a particular integral of the form up = ap/ 0 +ap/ 1w +ap/ 2w2 + …, where the ap/ i are just constant vectors.
particular intention n. see intention n. 12b.
particular judgement n. [after post-classical Latin iudicium particulare (13th cent.); compare Middle French, French jugement particulier (1525 or earlier)] chiefly Roman Catholic Church the judgement of each individual soul immediately upon its separation from the body at death; opposed to general judgement n. at general adj. and n. Compounds 2.
ΚΠ
1552 Abp. J. Hamilton Catech. iv. x. f. cciiiiv Our particular iudgement..is executit to ilk man and woman immediatly eftir yair saule depart fra thair body.
1684 R. Bovet Pandæmonium 9 He cometh as the judg of all men to particular judgment, calling each man by death; and to the general judgment, calling all men before him.
1711 D. Sturmy Theol. Theory Plurality of Worlds iii. 21 The Day of Judgment; which (tho' our particular Judgment may be near) may not be for some Thousands of Years.
1845 Weekly Herald (N.Y.) 1 Feb. 34/6 In what day? In the day of each one's particular judgment.
1916 J. Joyce Portrait of Artist (1918) iii. 128 The particular judgment was over and the soul had passed to the abode of bliss or to the prison of purgatory or had been hurled howling into hell.
2008 G. O'Collins Catholicism iii. 66 With death, the history of each person assumes its..irreversible character, and is ‘judged’ by God in what came to be called the ‘particular judgement’.
particular negative n. Logic a proposition of the form ‘some X is not Y’; cf. sense A. 1b, particular affirmative n.Symbol O: see O n.1 4.
ΚΠ
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Gvijv I dothe signifie a particular affirmatiue. O. doth signifie a particular negatiue.
1620 T. Granger Syntagma Logicum 262 The Vowels..signifie the qualities, and quantities of the premisses. A. An universall affirmative. E. An universall negative. I. A particular affirmative. O. A particular negative.
1790 W. Pilling Let. to Rev. Joseph Reeves 30 Whoever said, no man is an ass, said just as much as he who said, neither Peter, not Paul, &c. is an ass... For, Sire, a particular negative, is always included in its universal alternant.
1847 A. De Morgan Formal Logic iv. 58 The universal affirmative..and the particular negative..are not necessarily convertible, and are generally called inconvertible.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 2/1 The universal negative ‘no x is y’, and the particular negative ‘some x is not y’.
2001 Jrnl. Philos. Logic 30 219 In practice this limits the non-triviality of syllogistic reasoning to arguments that turn on universal affirmatives and particular negatives.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > arithmetic or algebraic operations > [noun] > division > divisor or dividend
divisorc1430
particular numbera1464
dividend1543
divident?a1560
subdivident1581
dividual1704
divider1797
a1464 J. Capgrave Abbreuiacion of Cron. (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 8 This noumbir..of sex is praysed for his particuler noumberes, whech be on, too, and thre.
particular solution n. Mathematics = particular integral n. (a).
ΚΠ
1736 J. Colson tr. I. Newton Method of Fluxions 25 (heading) A particular solution.
1738 Philos. Trans. 1735–6 (Royal Soc.) 39 325 In the Author's second Problem, or the Relation of the Fluxions being given to determine the Relation of the Fluents,..he [sc. Newton] begins with a particular Solution of it. He calls this Solution particular, because it extends only to such Cases, wherein the given Fluxional Equation either has been, or might have been, derived from some previous finite Algebraical Equation.
1848 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 138 40 The original equation is not altered by writing −b for b + 1; so that a particular solution may be readily deduced from the simple form.
1958 G. E. H. Reuter Elem. Differential Equations & Operators i. 5 General solution = particular solution plus complementary function.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > right of possession or ownership > tenure of property > one who has tenure > [noun] > leaseholder or tenant > others
drenga1000
selfode1271
thringc1275
particular tenant1590
rack-renter1680
zamindar1683
roturier1830
statutory tenant1867
livier1883
church renter1889
congest1902
1590 W. West Συμβολαιογραϕία ii. §311. sig. DDiij An instrument testifiyng..that the particuler tenant of landes..doth..agree, that he which hath the next immediate remainder or reuersion thereof shall also haue the particuler estate of the same in possession.
1766 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. xviii. 274 Alienations by particular tenants, when they are greater than the law entitles them to make, and devest the remainder or reversion, are also forfeitures to him whose right is attacked thereby.
1859–63 New Amer. Cycl. 24/1 Delivery of possession to the first particular tenant vests possession in the freehold tenant also.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2005; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
particularv.
/pəˈtɪkjᵿlə/, U.S. /pə(r)ˈtɪkjələr/, /pɑrˈtɪkjələr/ rare.
transitive. To mention particularly; to particularize.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > the quality of being specific > make specific [verb (transitive)] > specify or state precisely
notea1325
specifyc1340
definec1374
assign1377
expressc1400
stevenc1425
condescend1510
particulate1579
particularize1593
particular1605
specialize1616
specificate1649
individualize1655
designate1677
determinate1681
precise1793
precisionize1847
1605 in W. H. Stevenson Rec. Borough Nottingham (1889) IV. 274 Slanderinge all the Company, but being vrged, would not particuler any thinge.
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica 340 The Text, wherein is only particulared that it was the fruit of a tree good for food and pleasant unto the eye. View more context for this quotation
1979 Washington Post (Nexis) 9 May d1 1972's ‘The Best and the Brightest’, his infinitely particulared dissection of the body politic's addiction to the war.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2005; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.n.adv.a1387
v.1605