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

The researchers found that beetles feeding on spruce trees absorb defensive compounds from the phloem, especially phenolic glycosides such as stilbenes and flavonoids.

From Science Daily

But researchers are finding that the brain also has a powerful influence, especially in how hard physical effort feels.

From Science Daily

"Gynae issues and especially endometriosis is just not prioritised - it is debilitating and life changing but just not taken seriously by the health service."

From BBC

One of UV-C light's most valuable traits is how strongly it scatters in the atmosphere, which makes it especially useful for non-line-of-sight communication.

From Science Daily

Tessellations in hyperbolic spaces are especially striking but also especially challenging to analyze.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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