specially

American  

[spesh-uh-lee] / ˈspɛʃ ə li /

adverb

1. in a distinct or particular way; uniquely.

   All our products are specially handcrafted and fabricated under our own supervision, providing you with a fully customizable storage system.

2. with definite intent; with a specific occasion, person, etc., in mind: The travelogue was specially requested by a member of the group.

   Through specially arranged team activities, the children learn important social skills, including cooperation and respect for others.

   The travelogue was specially requested by a member of the group.

3. above all; especially.

   The climate up here is really refreshing, specially right after the heat and humidity of the plains.

---

Usage

What's the difference between specially and especially? Specially most commonly means in a special manner or for a special purpose, as in or This was specially made or You were specially chosen for this project. Especially means particularly or exceptionally, as in That was especially helpful or This road can be dangerous, especially when it’s icy. Perhaps most confusingly, specially is sometimes used as a synonym of especially, though especially is much more commonly used. Both words are adverbs. Specially is the adverb form of the adjective special. This might be the best way to remember the way specially is typically used, which is to describe something being done in a special way or for a special purpose. On the other hand, the adjective especial is not commonly used. Especially can always be used interchangeably with particularly. Here’s an example of specially and especially used correctly in a sentence. Example: The team worked especially hard to specially make all of these decorations in time for the event. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between specially and especially.

Other Word Forms

• nonspecially
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of specially

special ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Specially means "for a special purpose." If you walk into a room that's been specially decorated for St. Patrick's Day, there is probably a lot of green involved, and a shamrock or two. Use the adverb specially as a slightly less formal version of especially to mean something done in a particular way — like the fabric of a raincoat that's been specially treated to repel water. Specially also tells about something done for a special occasion, like when you make your sister a specially decorated cake for her birthday.

Example Sentences

The upper stage is to deploy a payload of 20 mock satellites and two "specially modified Starlink satellites" outfitted with cameras, which will analyze the spacecraft's heat shield.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

The Santa Monica Pier, specially north of Pico and south of Wilshire boulevards, remains the only Los Angeles County beach to make Heal the Bay’s list despite the city’s recent infrastructure improvements.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Some properties assign security guards to ask young shoppers to show identification at the entrance, while others rely on specially trained staff to selectively kick out troublemakers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

"A female victim is being supported by specially trained officers. The man has been released on bail as enquiries continue."

From BBC • May 12, 2026

It was set on one of those specially made desks with the drawers and the slide-out keyboard tray, and a designated compartment for the printer.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

• especially
• expressly
• specifically
• uniquely