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

• nonspecially adverb

Etymology

Origin of specially

special ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The extraction of the material would likely need to be conducted by an elite special operations team specially trained to remove radioactive material from a conflict zone.

From The Wall Street Journal

The force said the family of the girl, who was from the Cleckheaton area, had been notified and were being supported by specially trained officers.

From BBC

The measures are aimed at reducing any disturbance to breeding birds, particularly species considered vulnerable or specially protected under Manx wildlife legislation.

From BBC

“I never had a definite place which was my room or where I retired specially to write,” Agatha Christie said in her autobiography.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is achieved by slightly rotating two specially engineered photonic crystal layers.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• especially
• expressly
• specifically
• uniquely