especially

American  

[ih-spesh-uh-lee] / ɪˈspɛʃ ə li /

adverb

1. particularly; exceptionally; markedly.

   Be especially watchful when you are out walking alone.

   I love spending time outdoors, especially on sunny days.

   Synonyms:

   mainly, notably, signally

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especially British  

/ ɪˈspɛʃəlɪ /

adverb

1. in particular; specifically

   for everyone's sake, especially your children's

2. very much

   especially useful for vegans

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Usage

See special.

Related Words

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.

Etymology

Origin of especially

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

Example Sentences

The researchers note that these effects could be especially relevant for women.

From Science Daily

Clarke noted that CT scanning has become an essential method for studying delicate fossils, especially small dinosaurs and early birds trapped in solid rock.

From Science Daily

“It will come through the inflation, and then I think it will cut the economic growth in many countries, and especially in emerging and developing countries, where they don’t have the hard currencies,” he said.

From MarketWatch

Home centers, big-box electronics stores, pharmacies, apparel outlets and department stores fared especially well.

From MarketWatch

A theme especially potent on Trans Day of Visibility, a holiday organizers wanted the Joy Who Lived to coincide with.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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