especially
- 1To a greater degree or extent than is normal or usual; particularly.
The desert grows especially hot in the early afternoon.
Handlers must be especially careful when moving the fragile crates.
UsageIn a negative it softens: not especially interested means not very interested.
Similarparticularly, exceptionally, unusually, extremely, remarkably
Note
The degree word sits before an adjective or adverb and turns it up: especially hot, especially careful. Unlike the singling-out use, it picks nothing out of a group: the scale moves, not the spotlight.
- 2Used to single out a person, thing, or situation for special attention or emphasis compared with others.
The committee thanked the volunteers, especially those who stayed until midnight.
Warm clothing is essential in the mountains, especially above the tree line.
UsagePut it just before what it singles out, usually after a comma: everyone, especially the kids.
Similarparticularly, notably, chiefly
- 3In a special manner; for a particular purpose rather than a general one.
The garment was especially designed to resist water and wind.
The composer wrote the piece especially for the opening night of the new concert hall.
UsageHere specially works as well (specially designed, made specially for you).
Similarspecially, specifically, expressly
Note
Formed from especial + -ly, this use answers the question "for what purpose?": steam tram engines built especially to work a given duty, or someone who got up early especially. A quick test: if "for that purpose" fits in its place, this is the sense; if "more than usual" fits, it is the degree meaning.
Practice
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Origin
Formed from "especial" combined with the suffix "-ly".
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
- Especially is formed from especial combined with the suffix -ly. en.wiktionary.org