especially — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. In a special manner; specially.

   Examples

   He got up early especially.

   More examples (1)

   L.N.E.R. class "Y6" 3 ft. 1 in. 0-4-0 steam tram locomotive No. 7133 This locomotive, constructed at the Stratford works of the former Great Eastern Railway in 1897, was one of six which were built between 1883 and 1897 especially to work the Wisbech and Upwell Tramway.

2. Particularly; to a greater extent than is normal.

   Usage

   • focus

3. Exeptionally.

   Examples

   The buildings are not especially large.

   More examples (2)

   In 1883, the contract came up for renewal, the L.N.W.R. received it, and the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company was set aside. But there was a certain miasma of secrecy about the affair, so that many, especially in Ireland, looked for information and insisted on getting it.

   There is now such an immense "microliterature" on hepatics that, beyond a certain point I have given up trying to integrate (and evaluate) every minor paper published—especially narrowly floristic papers.

   At tech companies that spent recent years expanding paid parental leave, parents have felt the whiplash of mass layoffs in an especially visceral way.

4. Used to place greater emphasis upon someone or something.

   Usage

   • focus

   Examples

   Invite them all, especially Molly.

   More examples (2)

   Captain Edward Carlisle[…]felt a curious sensation of helplessness seize upon him as he met her steady gaze,[…]; he could not tell what this prisoner might do. He cursed the fate which had assigned such a duty, cursed especially that fate which forced a gallant soldier to meet so superb a woman as this under handicap so hard.

   There is now such an immense "microliterature" on hepatics that, beyond a certain point I have given up trying to integrate (and evaluate) every minor paper published—especially narrowly floristic papers.

Adverb

1. to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

   Synonyms

   particularlypeculiarlyspecially

   Examples

   he was particularly fussy about spelling

   a particularly gruesome attack

   More examples (2)

   under peculiarly tragic circumstances

   an especially (or specially) cautious approach to the danger

2. in a special manner

   Synonyms

   specially

   Examples

   a specially arranged dinner