especially
/ɪˈspɛʃ.(ə.)li/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
In a special manner; specially.
Adverb
Examples
He got up early especially.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Particularly; to a greater extent than is normal.
Adverb
Examples
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.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “especially” mean?
In a special manner; specially.
Is “especially” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.