specially

[ spesh-uh-lee ]

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.

Other Words From

• non·spe·cial·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of specially¹

special ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Many of the vessels in the CalMac fleet are now so old it is impossible to source spare parts and they have to be manufactured specially.

From BBC

The dinosaur will stand on a specially constructed platform that provides a better view to the public and keeps the neck and tail beyond reach of over-eager visitors tempted to jump up and touch it.

From Los Angeles Times

The works have been on loan to the museum since 2009 and on show in the specially designed bilingual Room 95.

From BBC

Smith's narrowly focused new take on the cases was no less devastating, with legal experts telling Salon that Trump had little to no defense against the allegations made by the specially appointed prosecutor.

From Salon

Some species are specially protected against picking, uprooting, damage and sale under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

From BBC

Related Words

• especially
• expressly
• specifically
• uniquely

Specially Vs. Especially

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.

Quiz yourself on specially vs. especially!

Should specially or especially be used in the following sentence?

I had this cake _____ made for your birthday.