particularly
Americanadverb
-
in a particular or to an exceptional degree; especially.
He read it with particularly great interest.
- Synonyms:
- specially, exceptionally
-
in a particular manner; specifically; individually.
-
in detail; minutely.
- Synonyms:
- scrupulously
adverb
-
very much; exceptionally
I wasn't particularly successful
-
in particular; specifically
pensioners, particularly the less well-off
Synonym Usage
See especially.
Etymology
Origin of particularly
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English. See particular, -ly
Explanation
The adverb form of "particular," the word particularly means "in a focused, precise manner." You looked for stones that had the proper qualities, particularly rounded edges and elongated shapes. Careful near the windows. The idea of particularly hails from the Lower Latin particularis, which meant "a particle," and in English took on the idea of something "pertaining to a single thing or person." Later, the word was refined to take on the idea of an exactness of detail. Journalist Ambrose Bierce applied the word as emphasis to his definition of incompatibility: "In matrimony a similarity of tastes, particularly the taste for domination."
Vocabulary lists containing particularly
Walk Two Moons
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"By Any Other Name"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
King and the Dragonflies
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"I'd particularly like to praise Marley," he added.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
For tech stocks, that number is probably even higher, given the lack, particularly in Europe, of domestic alternatives.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
All deals come with risks, though, particularly in pharma where research success doesn’t always translate into commercial success.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
Ali praised Dosanjh's ability to bring warmth and restraint to emotionally complex scenes, particularly opposite Shah's character who struggles with Alzheimer's disease.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
He knew that the San Andreas fault runs north and south for hundreds of miles in California, making that land particularly susceptible to earthquakes.
From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
