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special occasion — an important event or celebration that happens infrequently

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: an important event or celebration that happens infrequently

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈspeʃəl əˈkeɪʒən/

Example Sentences

  • My mom only uses her fancy china on special occasions, which means I've eaten off paper plates for 20 years.
  • Wedding anniversaries are special occasions that require expensive restaurants and forgotten wallets.
  • Graduation is a special occasion when parents cry more than the graduates.

special occasion

NOUN

[/ˈspeʃəl əˈkeɪʒən/]

an important event or celebration that happens infrequently

an important event or celebration that happens infrequently
💡 Concept

an important event or celebration that happens infrequently

No evasion can escape persuasion on this special occasion!
🎵 Rhyme

No evasion can escape persuasion on this special occasion!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈspeʃəl əˈkeɪʒən/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈspeʃəl əˈkeɪʒən/

🌳Etymology

Origin

Special derives from Latin species, meaning 'kind' or 'type,' combined with the suffix -al to denote something of a particular or distinct category. Occasion comes from Latin occidere, meaning 'to fall' or 'to happen,' later evolving to mean 'a particular time or event when something occurs.'

Breakdown

special: species (kind, type) + -al (adjective suffix); occasion: oc- (toward) + cadere (to fall, happen), literally 'something that befalls or occurs.'

🎵Rhyme

persuasion
invasion
evasion

🔗Collocations

celebrate a special occasion
dress up for a special occasion
mark a special occasion
save money for special occasions
special occasion gift
once-in-a-lifetime special occasion

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My mom only uses her fancy china on special occasions, which means I've eaten off paper plates for 20 years.”

😄 Fun example

“Wedding anniversaries are special occasions that require expensive restaurants and forgotten wallets.”

😄 Fun example

“Graduation is a special occasion when parents cry more than the graduates.”

😄 Fun example

“Christmas is a special occasion when families gather to argue about politics and overeat.”

📚Related Words

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