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

Derived 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

But jarring tensions are emerging in the run-up to UFC Freedom 250, the event being held in a specially built arena erected over the White House's elegant South Lawn.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Its black-and-white exterior is also covered in a 24,000-piece thermal protection system in a grid-like pattern of specially insulated blankets and tiles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

The system relies on specially engineered solar panels made from black metal that has been textured with femtosecond lasers.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

These are of parchment, prepared from specially treated animal skins that had to be sewn together to accommodate the lofty towers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

I was quite sure, and so was Mutti and Karli, that they sang it specially for us.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Related Words

• especially
• expressly
• specifically
• uniquely