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.

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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

Example Sentences

Besides security services at home and during personal travel, that can include elaborate home-alarm systems, bodyguards or company cars chauffeured by specially trained drivers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Police said both families were being supported by specially trained officers.

From BBC

Each student is evaluated twice by two people, typically high school counselors and retired high school counselors who are specially trained.

From Los Angeles Times

Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has been a rising star in the world of chess - specially after he became the youngest world champion last year.

From BBC

Although Alzheimer's occurs only in humans, scientists study it using specially engineered mice that carry genetic mutations known to cause the disease in people.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• especially
• expressly
• specifically
• uniquely