Meaning & use
especially
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Meaning
adverb
Used to single out one thing above others for particular attention or emphasis.
Grammar: Usually modifies an adjective, verb, or clause; often placed before the word it emphasizes.
Patterns
- especially + adjective
- especially + verb
- especially when ...
- especially for someone
I love fruit, especially mangoes.
The weather was bad, especially in the mountains.
She's especially good at math.
Common combinations
- especially important
- It's especially important to arrive on time.
- especially good
- This restaurant is especially good for seafood.
- especially for
- I bought this gift especially for you.
- especially when
- I get nervous especially when I speak in public.
Synonyms and how they differ
- particularly
- Very similar to 'especially', but 'particularly' can also mean 'in a detailed way'.
- specially
- Means 'for a particular purpose', not 'above all others'. Use 'especially' to highlight one item in a group.
- notably
- More formal; means 'in a way that is worth noticing'.
Opposites
Word family
- especial adjective
- Formal or literary; means 'special' or 'particular'.
Commonly confused: especially or specially?
especially vs specially
'Especially' means 'above all' or 'particularly'; 'specially' means 'for a special purpose', as in 'specially designed'.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
B is correct because 'specially' means 'for a special purpose' (for your birthday) and 'especially' means 'particularly' (delicious). A uses 'especially' where 'specially' is more appropriate for purpose. C misplaces 'especially' before 'made', changing the meaning. D is grammatically wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “especially”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.