especially

American  

[ih-spesh-uh-lee] / ɪˈspɛʃ ə li /

adverb

1. 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

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especially British  

/ ɪˈspɛʃəlɪ /

adverb

1. in particular; specifically

   for everyone's sake, especially your children's

2. very much

   especially useful for vegans

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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

While that is a valid objection, especially for calculations of the 1-year real yield, it seems unlikely that the war will have a significant impact on average inflation over the next decade.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

Many of these materials are especially valuable for future missions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

“As soon as I walked in, I thought, ‘The last thing this guy needs is another piece of art, especially from me,’” Soderbergh says.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

It can be daunting for women to admit it was a mistake to buy into the tradwife lifestyle, especially after being warned by feminists of the risks.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

I loved it when she did that, especially when it was me who’d made her laugh.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• chiefly
• exclusively
• notably
• principally
• specially
• specifically