especially

[ ih-spesh-uh-lee ]

adverb

1. particularly; exceptionally; markedly:

   Be especially watchful when you are out walking alone.

   I love spending time outdoors, especially on sunny days.

   Synonyms: notably, mainly, signally

especially

/ ɪˈspɛʃəlɪ /

adverb

1. in particular; specifically

   for everyone's sake, especially your children's

2. very much

   especially useful for vegans

Usage Note

See special.

Word History and Origins

Origin of especially¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; especial + -ly

Synonym Study

Especially, chiefly, particularly, principally refer to those cases that seem to be significant. Especially and particularly single out the most prominent case or example (often in order to particularize a general statement): Winter is especially severe on old people. Corn grows well in the Midwest, particularly in Iowa. Chiefly and principally imply that the general statement applies to a majority of the cases in question and have a somewhat comparative force: Owls fly chiefly at night. Crime occurs principally in large cities.

Example Sentences

The cat’s journey, which starts with its reflection in a shimmering pond, is the emotional center, but the large, long-legged bird’s story is especially touching, with Miyazaki-like echoes.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite great advances in RNA analysis, linking RNA data to its spatial context has long been a challenge, especially in intact 3D tissue volumes.

From Science Daily

She continued to pursue the research and collaborate with Fitak and others to analyze the DNA samples and ultimately determine that Florida panthers are not especially susceptible.

From Science Daily

"We're one of the first studies to measure the actual amounts of choline and iodine in a large sample of prenatal supplements. The presence of contaminants, especially cadmium, was also concerning. Our findings highlight a significant gap between what's listed on the labels and what's actually in the products, underscoring the urgent need for stronger regulatory oversight in this area," Borgelt adds.

From Science Daily

"There are two important next steps for harnessing the power of this eDNA analysis. First, we plan on adding additional species that can be identified using the tetraplex digital PCR assay, especially fish such as Asian swamp eels and bullseye snakeheads," said Frank Mazzotti, co-author and professor of wildlife ecology at UF/IFAS FLREC.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• chiefly
• exclusively
• notably
• principally
• specially
• specifically