Especially vs.

Specially
by Ali Hale

One of our readers recently asked if we could explain the difference between especiallyand specially. The words especial and specialcan be used almost interchangeably. They both mean something which was out of the ordinary or even exceptional. MerriamWebsterdefines especial as meaning being distinctive: as a: directed toward a particular individual, group, or end [especial greetings to his son] [especial care to speak clearly]b: of special note or importance : unusually great or significant[especial relevance] c: highly distinctive or personal : peculiar [especial dislike for music] d: close, intimate [especial crony] e: specific, particular [especial destination in mind] The two words are synonyms, and often either is appropriate: My grandmothers ninetieth birthday was an occasion of especial joy.

My grandmothers ninetieth birthday was an occasion of special joy.

Both of these are correct, however, especial implies that something less good exists, whereas something special doesnt need to be compared against anything. Merrian-Webster explains the difference like this: special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own . especial may add implications of preeminence or preference [especial importance] . Note that special can be used as a noun, whereas especial cannot, in cases such as Its always worth checking the specials in the supermarket.

Especially or specially?
When it comes to the adjectival forms, especially should always be used. It modifies a verb, adverb or adjective and means particularly or exceptionally: His train was running especially late that day.

We were especially happy to see you. I put the cake especially high.

Specially is becoming more common but still tends to sound rather informal, even a little child-like (I drew this picture specially for you!) There is a lot of debate around whether specially is appropriate in some cases, but if you want to be sure, stick with especially.

especially . ,

especially adv. particularly, specifically

Concise Oxford Thesaurus

especially adverb work poured in, especially from Kent: MAINLY, mostly, chiefly, principally, largely; substantially, particularly, primarily, generally, usually, typically. a committee especially for the purpose : EXPRESSLY, specially, specifically, exclusively, just, particularly, explicitly. he is especially talented: EXCEPTIONALLY, particularly, specially, very, extremely, singularly, distinctly, unusually, extraordinarily, uncommonly, uniquely, remarkably, outstandingly, really; informal seriously, majorly; Brit. informal jolly, dead, well.

specially . ; ,
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Babylon English

specially adv. in a special manner; particularly, especially

Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary

specially Pronunciation: 'spesh(-)l Function: Date: adverb 14th century

1 : in a special manner <treated her friends specially> 2 a : for a special purpose <dresses made specially for the occasion> b : in particular : SPECIFICALLY <made specially for you> 3 : ESPECIALLY 2 <makes a specially fine curry> <was specially pleased with the gift>

specially adverb for a special purpose: a specially commissioned report.

This was an especially fun tip to write; it was specially designed for your enjoyment. Does that help you see the difference between "especially" and "specially"? "Especially" usually means "particularly," whereas "specially" usually means "in a special or careful manner" or "specifically." Here are some examples:

This market is especially tough on retirees. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, was Squiggly's weakness. Aardvark delivered the specially minted commemorative coins. The cake had been specially prepared for the occasion.