Synonyms

especially

American

[ih-spesh-uh-lee] / ɪˈspɛʃ ə li /

adverb

particularly; exceptionally; markedly.

Be especially watchful when you are out walking alone.
I love spending time outdoors, especially on sunny days.

Synonyms:

mainly, notably, signally

especially British

/ ɪˈspɛʃəlɪ /

adverb

in particular; specifically

for everyone's sake, especially your children's
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

Usage

See special.

Related Words

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.

Etymology

Origin of especially

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After storms, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, the water can be contaminated with E. coli, trash, chemicals and other public health hazards.

From Los Angeles Times

While the right-hander is away from Camelback Ranch, other pitchers vying for a spot in the Dodgers’ starting rotation will be under the microscope — especially with health concerns yet again coming into play.

From Los Angeles Times

The cost of handling money was another factor, especially when faced with the closure or limited opening hours of bank branches.

From BBC

This onshoring is absolutely critical, especially in sectors associated with national security, and has been a bipartisan effort.

From Barron's

Even temporary disruptions can tighten fuel markets because refinery outages often take days or weeks to fully restart and stabilize, especially if equipment inspections or repairs are required.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023