/ ɪˈspeʃəli; NAmE / adverb ( abbr. esp. )
1.
more with one person, thing, etc. than with others, or more in particular circumstances than in others
SYN particularly :
The car is quite small, especially if you have children.
Teenagers are very fashion conscious, especially girls.
I love Rome, especially in the spring.
2.
for a particular purpose, person, etc. :
I made it especially for you.
3.
very much; to a particular degree :
I wasn't feeling especially happy that day.
'Do you like his novels?' 'Not especially.'
••
WHICH WORD
especially / specially
Especially usually means 'particularly':
She loves all sports, especially swimming.
. It is not placed first in a sentence:
I especially like sweet things.
Especially I like sweet things.
Specially usually means 'for a particular purpose' and is often followed by a past participle, such as designed , developed or made :
a course specially designed to meet your needs
•
She has her clothes specially made in Paris.
In BrE , especially and specially are often used in the same way and it can be hard to hear the difference when people speak. Specially is less formal:
I bought this especially / specially for you.
•
It is especially / specially important to remember this.
The adjective for both especially and specially is usually special .