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
Synonym Usage
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
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"By Any Other Name"
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King and the Dragonflies
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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.
Lead poisoning is "particularly harmful to young children" and can "severely damage the brain and central nervous system", according to the World Health Organization.
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026
They also cautioned drivers about dangerous crosswinds, particularly on elevated roadways.
From Barron's ● Oct. 17, 2026
Fans of “The Good Wife” or “The Good Fight” are familiar with how the Kings turned emerging tech issues — particularly ones involving Google, Amazon or Facebook — into narrative catalysts for cases.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026
That said, “in our view this does not make for a particularly satisfying equity market bear case,” as AI will deliver a payoff over a longer time horizon, he said.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026
Although the prospect of playing hymns in church didn’t particularly excite me, I agreed, hoping at least I could make some friends that way.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
