particularly
- 01 B1 Intermediate
used to single out one person, thing, or situation from others.
used to single out one individual, instance, or case as being more relevant or noteworthy than others.
Simple“I enjoy all kinds of music, but I particularly like jazz.”
In context“The report highlights several areas for improvement, particularly the communication between the regional offices and the head office.”
UsageOften used to introduce a specific example after a general statement.
Teacher's tipLearners often confuse 'particularly' with 'specially'. Remind them that 'particularly' is for highlighting a specific case, while 'specially' is for a specific purpose.
Synonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
used to emphasize that something is true to a high degree.
functions as an intensifier to indicate a high degree or extent.
Simple“The weather wasn't particularly warm, so we decided to stay inside.”
In context“The results of the initial study were not particularly encouraging, prompting the researchers to rethink their methodology.”
UsageFrequently used in negative sentences (e.g., 'not particularly') to mean 'not very'.
Teacher's tipIn negative sentences, 'not particularly' is a polite or understated way to say 'not at all' or 'not very'.
Synonyms
Usage assign particularly · particularly active · particularly acute
From particular + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.