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especially

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adverb es·pe·cial·ly \ i-ˈspesh-lē , -ˈspe-shə- \

Definition of especially

1 :specially 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

See especially defined for English-language learners

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Examples of especially in a Sentence

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. … 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

  5. He was especially concerned about the contract.

  6. There is nothing especially radical about that idea.

  7. Winning this tournament was especially satisfying.

  8. I made this pie especially for you.

Recent Examples of especially from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'especially.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of especially

15th century

especially Synonyms

Synonyms
particularly, specifically, in especial, in particular
Antonyms
generally
Related Words
individually, personally; restrictively, selectively
Near Antonyms
broadly, widely

Phrases Related to ESPECIALLY

Related Phrases

ESPECIALLY Defined for English Language Learners

especially

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adverb

Definition of especially for English Language Learners

  • : more than usually

  • —used to indicate something that deserves special mention

  • : for a particular purpose or person

Learn More about especially

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for especially Spanish Central: Translation of especially Nglish: Translation of especially for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of especially for Arabic speakers

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yeasty

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of yeast or being unsettled or frivolous

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  1. dotage, dotard a state or period of senile decay

  2. otherwise "in other respects"

  3. federalism Graham says bill gives power to states

  4. bodega "Don’t mess with the beloved bodega."

  5. carceral Of, relating to, or suggesting a jail or prison

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Examples: especially in a Sentence