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 benefits of incumbency are quite potent, especially in the all-important area of raising campaign funds.

From The Daily Beast

It marked a groundbreaking moment in how the country viewed Jews, especially Jewish women.

From The Daily Beast

Two factors made Hiram Revels especially interesting to the Washington establishment.

From The Daily Beast

This is especially striking, though hardly surprising, in the case of Priebus, Mr. Outreach.

From The Daily Beast

Terrorism is bad news anywhere, but especially rough on Odessa, where the city motto seems to be “make love, not war.”

From The Daily Beast

He distinguished himself in several campaigns, especially in the Peninsular war, and was raised to the rank of field marshal.

From Project Gutenberg

Individual samples may be slightly alkaline, especially after a full meal.

From Project Gutenberg

Undesirable inhabitants of the country are being sent away, especially the Japanese, who are more dangerous than the Chinese.

From Project Gutenberg

It is especially useful with cultures upon serum media, but is applicable also to the sputum.

From Project Gutenberg

From that region they issue to inflict diseases, especially blindness and deafness.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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