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View synonyms for

especially

[ ih-spesh-uh-lee ]

adverb

  1. Be especially watchful when you are out walking alone.

    I love spending time outdoors, especially on sunny days.

    Synonyms: , ,



especially

/ ɪˈɛʃəɪ /

adverb

  1. in particular; specifically

    for everyone's sake, especially your children's

  2. very much

    especially useful for vegans

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage Note

See special.
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Word History and Origins

Origin of especially1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; especial + -ly
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Synonym Study

Especially, chiefly, particularly, principally refer to those cases that seem to be significant. Especially and particularly single out the most prominent case or example (often in order to particularize a general statement): Winter is especially severe on old people. Corn grows well in the Midwest, particularly in Iowa. Chiefly and principally imply that the general statement applies to a majority of the cases in question and have a somewhat comparative force: Owls fly chiefly at night. Crime occurs principally in large cities.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

This year he fell ill with a recurrence of Richter’s syndrome — an especially dangerous form of lymphoma.

From

"People were finding their way around by torchlight. It was quite surreal seeing the view from my window totally black especially as I live next to a dual carriageway," he said.

From

The many questions about the site continue to haunt many in Mexico, especially the searchers who arrived at the site in March and distributed photos of abandoned personal items, charred bones and other chilling finds.

From

Long waiting times to access specialist support, especially for children and young people were highlighted during a recent consultation, which also found that those from certain economic or ethnic minority backgrounds were disadvantaged.

From

For years, Vietnam has walked a tightrope between Washington and Beijing – the latter's expansive ambitions can be a threat to neighbours, especially growing economies that are keen to woo US businesses.

From

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Especially Vs. Specially

's the difference between especially Իspecially?

Especially means particularly or exceptionally, as in That was especially helpful or This road can be dangerous, especially when it’s icy. Specially most commonly means in a special manner or for a special purpose, as in This was specially made or You were specially chosen for this project.

Perhaps most confusingly, specially is sometimes used as a synonym of especially, though especially is much more commonly used.

Both words are adverbs. Specially is the adverb form of the adjective special. This might be the best way to remember the way specially is typically used, which is to describe something being done in a special way or for a special purpose. On the other hand, the adjective especial is not commonly used. Especially can always be used interchangeably with particularly.

Here’s an example of especially and specially used correctly in a sentence.

Example: The team worked especially hard to specially make all of these decorations in time for the event.

Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between especially and specially.

Quiz yourself on especially .specially!

Should especially or specially be used in the following sentence?

I had this cake _____ made for your birthday.

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especialesperance