especially

[ih-spesh-uh-lee]

See more synonyms for especially on Thesaurus.com

adverb

particularly; exceptionally; markedly: Be especially watchful.

Origin of especially

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at especial, -ly

Can be confusedespecially specially (see synonym study at the current entry) (see usage note at special)

Synonyms for especially

See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com

signally, notably; mainly.

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 Middle West, 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.

Usage note

See special.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for especially

specially, exclusively, notably, specifically, principally, chiefly, peculiarly, eminently, expressly, extraordinarily, mainly, markedly, oddly, preeminently, primarily, singularly, strangely, uncommonly, unusually, wonderfully

Examples from the Web for especially

Contemporary Examples of especially

The benefits of incumbency are quite potent, especially in the all-important area of raising campaign funds.
The Unbearable Whiteness of Congress
Dean Obeidallah
January 8, 2015
It marked a groundbreaking moment in how the country viewed Jews, especially Jewish women.
Why Was Bess Myerson the First and Last Jewish Miss America?
Emily Shire
January 7, 2015
Two factors made Hiram Revels especially interesting to the Washington establishment.
The Black Man Who Replaced Jefferson Davis in the Senate
Philip Dray
January 7, 2015
This is especially striking, though hardly surprising, in the case of Priebus, Mr. Outreach.
Today’s GOP: Still Cool With Racist Pandering?
Michael Tomasky
January 7, 2015
Terrorism is bad news anywhere, but especially rough on Odessa, where the city motto seems to be “make love, not war.”
Is Putin Turning to Terrorism in Ukraine?
Anna Nemtsova
January 6, 2015

Historical Examples of especially

Foreigners, especially Greeks, begin to dominate the country.
Ancient Man
Hendrik Willem van Loon
As for my brother, he seemed enchanted with the sight, and especially with the ladies.
Explorations in Australia
John Forrest
This is especially true when we are face to face with a heavy deficit.
United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches
Various
This is too well-known a truth for me to endeavor to conceal it, especially from you.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
But those who knew Hester, especially the women of them, were indignant with him.
Weighed and Wanting
George MacDonald

British Dictionary definitions for especially

especially

adverb

in particular; specificallyfor everyone's sake, especially your children's
very muchespecially 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

Word Origin and History for especially

adv.

c.1400, from especial + -ly (2).