especially
especially
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "especially" is /ɪˈspeʃəli/.
ɪ-: as in the 'i' in 'bit'
-spe-: as in the 'spe' in 'speed'
-ʃə-: as in the 'sh' in 'shake' followed by the 'a' in 'about'
-li: as in the 'lee' in 'sleepy'
Word Form Variations
"Especially" is an adverb. Adverbs typically do not have variations like singular/plural or different tenses in the way nouns and verbs do. Therefore, there are no word form variations in terms of singular, plural, tense, or comparative/superlative forms.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Definition 1: To a notably greater extent than usual; particularly or pre-eminently.
Synonyms: particularly, notably, primarily, uniquely, specifically, exceptionally, remarkably
Antonyms: generally, ordinarily, commonly, typically, universally
Definition 2: With a particular focus or emphasis on something or someone.
Synonyms: specifically, precisely, explicitly, distinctly, exactly
Antonyms: vaguely, broadly, generally, imprecisely
Examples of Use
Books: "The air grew cold, especially at night, and we often huddled together for warmth." (From The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, August 2020)
Newspapers: "Economists are warning that inflation could hit vulnerable households especially hard in the coming months." (From The Wall Street Journal, March 2023)
Online Publications: "This new software update improves performance across the board, especially for users with older devices." (From an article on TechCrunch, May 2024)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Film Dialogue): "I enjoyed the play especially the second act. The acting was superb." (From the film Knives Out, November 2019)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms (Song Lyrics): "I love the way you smile, especially when you're thinking of me." (From the song "Thinking of Me" by The Sundays, 1990)
General Public Discourse (Social Media Post): "Feeling great after my run today, especially since I beat my personal best!" (From a user's post on X, formerly Twitter, January 2025)
General Public Discourse (Speech/Conversation): "I always try to be polite, especially when I'm meeting new people."
10 Quotes Using Especially
"I am an excitable person who only understands life especially the art of poetry as a kind of intoxication." (Edith Södergran)
"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by. Especially the ones that are self-imposed." (Douglas Adams)
"I think it's very important to have a sense of humor, especially about yourself." (Will Arnett)
"I have a great ambition to create an audience out of the world, especially for something that is really original." (Walt Disney)
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.' Especially about something weird." (C.S. Lewis)
"I really am a firm believer that to have a successful film, you need to be honest, especially in independent film." (Lena Dunham)
"I love that feeling of being a beginner, especially when I have to learn a new skill or make a career change." (Michelle Pfeiffer)
"It is when we are most lost that we are especially ready to find our true selves." (Pema Chödrön)
"I think that it’s really important for people to be themselves, especially when they’re in a public eye." (Miley Cyrus)
"I enjoy playing characters that are dark, especially if they are complex and have a good arc." (Tom Hardy)
Etymology
The word "especially" comes from a journey through different languages, starting way back in Latin.
It all begins with the Latin word "specialis," which meant "individual, particular, or pertaining to a species." Think of "special" in English – it's where that comes from too.
From Latin, it moved into Old French as "especial," keeping a similar meaning of "particular" or "distinguished."
Then, around the late 13th century (so, in the 1200s), English borrowed this word from Old French, and it became "especial" in Middle English. At this point, its meaning was very much "above all others," "chiefly," or "particularly." It was used to highlight something as being more significant or prominent than others.
Over time, the suffix "-ly" was added to "especial" to form the adverb "especially." This addition clearly marked it as a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating how or to what extent something is done or true.
So, in short: It started with an idea of being "particular" or "individual" in Latin, passed through French, and then in English, it became the word we use today to emphasize something as being more significant or true in a specific context. The first known use in English, with a meaning close to our modern "particularly" or "above all," dates back to the late 1200s.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Especially
Especially for you: Indicating something is tailored or intended specifically for a particular person.
Especially relevant: Highlighting that something is particularly pertinent or important to a topic.
Especially difficult/easy: Emphasizing the degree of difficulty or ease.
Especially keen on: Showing a particular strong interest or enthusiasm for something.
Especially true: Stressing the veracity of a statement in a specific context.
Especially when: Used to introduce a condition under which something is particularly applicable or intense.
Especially in the case of: Singling out a particular instance where something holds true.
Particularly noteworthy: (Using a synonym) Something deserving special attention.
Uniquely qualified: (Using a synonym) Having specific, unparalleled abilities for a task.
Above all else: (Idiom with similar effect) Prioritizing something over everything else.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of especially from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
