Word
especially
Phoneticses·pe·cial·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈspɛʃəɫi/
UK/ɪspˈɛʃəlˌi/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01particularly
A2 · Elementary
adv. to a greater degree than usual or more than other things.
adv. to a great extent or degree; used to indicate that a quality applies more to one thing than to others.
日本語:特に※
“The food at that restaurant is great, especially the pasta dishes.”
“The humidity was especially oppressive that afternoon, making even the shortest walk feel like a significant physical challenge.”
Usage
Often used before an adjective or to introduce a specific example after a general statement.
Pitfall
I like fruit, specially apples.
I like fruit, especially apples.
Use 'especially' to single out one thing from a group. 'Specially' is usually for a specific purpose, like 'a cake made specially for you'.
Synonyms
02for a specific reason
B1 · Intermediate
adv. used to show that something was done for one particular purpose or person.
adv. used to single out a specific purpose, person, or occasion for which an action is performed.
日本語:わざわざ※
“I bought this gift especially for you because I know you love blue.”
“The software was designed especially for small businesses that lack the resources to maintain a dedicated IT department.”
Usage
Frequently followed by the preposition 'for'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “especially” in context.
Confusables
Especially means 'particularly' or 'above all', while specially means 'for a specific purpose'.
RememberEspecially = Extra. Specially = Specific.
Etymology
From especial + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/especially
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0