# particularly

/ˌpɑɹˈtɪkjəɫɝɫi/ (US) · /pətˈɪkjʊləli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/particularly
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. especially

adverb · CEFR B1

used to single out one person, thing, or situation from others.

For teachers: used to single out one individual, instance, or case as being more relevant or noteworthy than others.

- I enjoy all kinds of music, but I particularly like jazz.
- The report highlights several areas for improvement, particularly the communication between the regional offices and the head office.

Usage: Often used to introduce a specific example after a general statement.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse 'particularly' with 'specially'. Remind them that 'particularly' is for highlighting a specific case, while 'specially' is for a specific purpose.

### 2. very or extremely

adverb · CEFR B1

used to emphasize that something is true to a high degree.

For teachers: functions as an intensifier to indicate a high degree or extent.

- The weather wasn't particularly warm, so we decided to stay inside.
- The results of the initial study were not particularly encouraging, prompting the researchers to rethink their methodology.

Usage: Frequently used in negative sentences (e.g., 'not particularly') to mean 'not very'.

Teaching tip: In negative sentences, 'not particularly' is a polite or understated way to say 'not at all' or 'not very'.

## Examples

- The weather is particularly hot today.
- I enjoy most types of music, but I am particularly fond of jazz from the 1950s.
- The committee found the witness's testimony particularly compelling, as it provided the first concrete evidence of financial mismanagement within the department.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.