Especially

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪˈspɛʃ(É™)li/, /əˈspɛʃ(É™)li/, /ɛˈspɛʃ(É™)li/
• nonstandard IPA: /É›kˈspɛʃli/

Origin

especial + -ly

Full definition of especially

Adverb

1. (manner) In a special manner; specially.
2. (focus) Particularly; to a greater extent than is normal.
• Schuster Hepaticae V|viiiThere is now such an immense "microliterature" on hepatics that, beyond a certain point I have given up trying to integrate (and evaluate) every minor paper published—especially narrowly floristic papers.
3. (focus) Used to place greater emphasis upon someone or something.
   Invite everyone, especially Molly.
• 1910, Emerson Hough, The Purchase Price Chapter 1, Captain Edward Carlisle...felt a curious sensation of helplessness seize upon him as he met her steady gaze,...; he could not tell what this prisoner might do. He cursed the fate which had assigned such a duty, cursed especially that fate which forced a gallant soldier to meet so superb a woman as this under handicap so hard.
• Schuster Hepaticae V|viiiThere is now such an immense "microliterature" on hepatics that, beyond a certain point I have given up trying to integrate (and evaluate) every minor paper published—especially narrowly floristic papers.

Related terms

• especial
• special
• specialist
• specialty