especially or specially? There is some overlap in the meaning of these two words, but there are also areas in which their meanings should be distinguished. Especially means both ‘very’ (an especially nice surprise) and ‘in particular’ (I was impressed with all the performances, especially Nigel's). Specially means ‘in a special way’ (specially cooked using a totally new method) and, more commonly, ‘specifically, for a particular purpose’ (specially trained staff; I specially arranged it so that you would be in the same group as Jean). In a sentence such as the following sentence, however, either especially or specially could be used: I made it especially (or specially) for you.