especially

adverb

es·​pe·​cial·​ly i-ˈspe-shə-lē 

-ˈspesh-lē

1

: specially sense 1

2

a

: in particular : particularly

food seems cheaper, especially meats

b

: for a particular purpose

built especially for research

3

—used as an intensive

an especially good essay

nothing especially radical in the remarks

Synonyms of especially

• particularly
• specifically

Examples of especially in a Sentence

With the help of his staff, [Tim] Russert was especially good at arming himself for an interview by compiling a politician's previous statements in all their contradictions. Google was his tool and Gotcha his game. —David Remnick, New Yorker, 23 June 2008

In 1972, we began nonstop coverage of the Nixon-McGovern presidential campaign. Hunter [S. Thompson] took over my life then—and for many years after that when he was reporting (long nocturnal telephone calls and frequent all-night strategy sessions) and especially when he was writing. He was demanding in his need for time, attention, care, handling and editing. —Jann S. Wenner, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2005

Moreover, Gone with the Wind is peopled with characters whose inconsistencies make them interesting, none more so than Scarlett O'Hara, an unattractive, inexplicably seductive antiheroine whom Trollope himself might well have been pleased to dream up on an especially good day. —Terry Teachout, National Review, 20 Aug. 2001

… I am a tax dweeb. I like thinking about taxes and writing about taxes, and I really like doing my taxes. Especially since do-it-yourself tax software in a box got so great. —Linda Stern, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2000

He was especially concerned about the contract.

There is nothing especially radical about that idea.

Winning this tournament was especially satisfying.

I made this pie especially for you.

Recent Examples on the Web

But as Presti said, the front office has no strategic issue with heading into that territory, especially not if the team remains a contender, as is expected. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Its 2026 project Arirang may change that, though Album of the Year is sure to be especially competitive this time around. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Data centers are a hot topic, especially in parts of the South and the Midwest that are seeing the biggest construction boom. — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 23 July 2026

The capacity to feel deeply, especially in the realm of love, is one of the most transcendently human experiences that mortal beings can have. — Goth Shakira, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing especially

• not especially

Rhymes for especially

• fleshly
• freshly