especially

[ ih-spesh-uh-lee ]
/ ɪˈspɛʃ ə li /

adverb

particularly; exceptionally; markedly: Be especially watchful.

Origin of especially

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at especial, -ly

synonym study for especially

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 Middle West, 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.

usage note for especially

See special.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH especially

especially specially (see synonym study at the current entry) (see usage note at special)

Words nearby especially

Example sentences from the Web for especially

British Dictionary definitions for especially

especially
/ (ɪˈspɛʃəlɪ) /

adverb

in particular; specifically for everyone's sake, especially your children's
very much especially useful for vegans