An Encylopedia Britannica Company

August 22, 2016 Word of the Day

especially ˈspɛʃəli/ adverb
especially
ˈspɛʃəli/
adverb
The cake was made especially for the child.
The cake was made especially for the child.
Definition of ESPECIALLY

[more especially; most especially]

1 : more than usually : VERY, EXTREMELY

  • He was especially concerned about the contract.

  • an especially good essay

  • There is nothing especially radical about that idea.

2 a — used to indicate something that deserves special mention

  • She can't be sure she will win, especially at this early stage of the campaign.

  • The appetizers and especially [=particularly] the soup were delicious.

  • Especially in the beginning, they had many doubts.

b : for a particular purpose or person

  • The facility was built especially [=specifically] for research.

  • I made this pie especially for you.

not especially informal

used to say that you are not very interested in doing something

  • “Would you like to go to a movie?” “No, not especially.”

More Words of the Day