Search Dictionary
Definition of especially

especially

/ɪˈspɛʃ.əl.i/
es · pe · cial · ly
Adjective:especial
JUMP TO:

especially Lexical Profile

especially Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

Used to single out one person, thing, or situation over all others; above all.

Example

"She loves all kinds of music, especially classical."

2

To a great extent; very much; exceptionally.

Example

"The winters in this region are not especially cold."

3

For a specific purpose or a particular person; specially.

Example

"This dessert was made especially for the guest of honor."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for especially
Antonyms
View all antonyms for especially

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'especially' and 'specially' overlap, 'especially' is generally used to single out something above all others ('I love fruit, especially peaches') or to mean 'very', whereas 'specially' is preferred to indicate a specific purpose ('a coat specially designed for winter').

• Rhymes for especially

• Nearby Words

espadrille
espana
especial
especially
esperanto
espionage
esplanade

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English from the adjective 'especial' (from Old French, from Latin 'specialis', meaning 'individual' or 'particular') plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Especially. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/especially
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.