particularly
Americanadverb
-
in a particular or to an exceptional degree; especially.
He read it with particularly great interest.
- Synonyms:
- specially, exceptionally
-
in a particular manner; specifically; individually.
-
in detail; minutely.
- Synonyms:
- scrupulously
adverb
-
very much; exceptionally
I wasn't particularly successful
-
in particular; specifically
pensioners, particularly the less well-off
Related Words
See especially.
Etymology
Origin of particularly
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English. See particular, -ly
Explanation
The adverb form of "particular," the word particularly means "in a focused, precise manner." You looked for stones that had the proper qualities, particularly rounded edges and elongated shapes. Careful near the windows. The idea of particularly hails from the Lower Latin particularis, which meant "a particle," and in English took on the idea of something "pertaining to a single thing or person." Later, the word was refined to take on the idea of an exactness of detail. Journalist Ambrose Bierce applied the word as emphasis to his definition of incompatibility: "In matrimony a similarity of tastes, particularly the taste for domination."
Vocabulary lists containing particularly
Walk Two Moons
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"By Any Other Name"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
King and the Dragonflies
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
His explanation quickly became part of the public conversation around the event, particularly after he referred to his son in unexpectedly distant terms, saying he had “known this person for a long time.”
From Salon • May 23, 2026
The researchers noted that obesity rates remain high in many countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, where 29% of adults are obese and 64% are overweight or obese.
From Science Daily • May 23, 2026
This followed the establishment of Ukrainian drone-manufacturing plants across Europe earlier this year, and the growing adoption of Ukrainian military innovation by Western militaries, particularly in Europe.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026
And it's particularly crucial now because Delhi is also due to host a summit of Brics - which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran and Saudi Arabia, among others - in September.
From BBC • May 23, 2026
It was, perhaps, larger than any owl she had seen, and with eyes that seemed particularly clever, though in truth all owls had that look about them.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
