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.

Environmental Protection Agency identifies children under 6 years old as especially vulnerable.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

The fuel shortage is especially tough for businesses in Myanmar because so many depend on generators for power; the electricity grid provides only a few hours of power a day in most of Yangon.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

“We must demand transparency and accountability, especially when billions are being funneled into contracts that threaten the safety and dignity of Californians,” Gonzalez said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

That wouldn’t be unfeasible for Intel, Arcuri said, especially if the company can get “material” prepayments from customers for chips built on its upcoming 14A process node.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

“And Jonah believes everything he says. And he’ll do anything he says, especially when Dad dangles the dirt bike carrot. It buys Jonah’s loyalty every time. It’s like he’s Dad’s puppet.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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