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.

Synonym Usage

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

Explanation

Especially describes something that can be singled out as better or more than. An especially tall building is extremely tall. Behind many good adverbs is a good adjective; this is especially true for the word especially, which is built from the common adjective special. This means something close to particularly and can be used to describe something that is more than something else. Basketball players are especially tall. Puppies and kittens are especially cute. The President is an especially important person. If you win first place in a piccolo contest then you are especially good at playing piccolo.

Example Sentences

Others squirm with embarrassment, especially in Kettering, which used to be better known for its shoe factories.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026

There are also a number of cities, especially in the Inland Empire, with older brick construction that can collapse in an earthquake, yet aren’t required to be strengthened or demolished.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026

Supporters view her as a peaceful human rights campaigner who gave a voice to families, especially women, affected by conflict.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

The bond market’s reaction will be particularly important to watch, especially the 2-year Treasury yield; a sharp rise would suggest additional rate hikes are being priced in.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 24, 2026

It was the one time of day we all sat together, especially at the weekends.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

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