especially
adverb OPAL W
/ɪˈspeʃəli/
/ɪˈspeʃəli/
(abbreviation esp.)
- more with one person, thing, etc. than with others, or more in particular circumstances than in others synonym particularly
- Teenagers are very fashion conscious, especially girls.
- especially + adv./prep. I love Rome, especially in the spring.
- especially if… The car is quite small, especially if you have children.
Language Bank emphasisemphasisHighlighting an important point- This case emphasizes/highlights the importance of honest communication between managers and employees.
- Effective communication skills are essential/crucial/vital.
- It should be noted that this study considers only verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is not dealt with here.
- It is important to remember that/An important point to remember is that non-verbal communication plays a key role in getting your message across.
- Communication is not only about the words you use but also your body language and, especially/above all, the effectiveness with which you listen.
- I would like to draw attention to the role of listening in effective communication.
- Choose your words carefully: in particular, avoid confusing and ambiguous language.
- Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you must learn to listen as well as to speak.
Extra Examples- Far too many people, especially young people, are sleeping on the streets.
- We've made a lot of progress, especially considering that we only had about 13 weeks to do it all.
- This might expose the country to financial problems in the future, especially given the uncertainty over oil prices.
- More research needs to be done, especially since it was a small study.
- for a particular purpose, person, etc.
- I got up early especially.
- especially for somebody/something I made it especially for you.
- The vehicle was designed especially for use in the desert.
Which Word? especially / speciallyespecially / specially- Especially usually means ‘particularly’:
- She loves all sports, especially swimming.
- 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 British English, 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.
- very much; to a particular degree
- A plentiful supply of water is especially important in summer.
- especially useful/interesting
- Children are expected to obey their parents at all times.This is especially true of girls.
- I wasn't feeling especially happy that day.
- ‘Do you like his novels?’ ‘Not especially.’