specially

IPA/spˈɛʃəli/
KK[spˈɛʃəli]IPA/spˈɛʃəliː/

specially — adverb

1. to a greater degree than normal or when highlighting one item among many

1.adverbB2
Definition

to a greater degree than normal or when highlighting one item among many

Example

The entire hiking trip was enjoyable, though I liked the scenic ridge walk specially.

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Living in the city can be stressful, specially during the busy holiday shopping season.

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Common collocations
  • specially designed
  • specially trained
  • specially created
Synonyms
  • especially

    often interchangeable, but especially is more frequently used to indicate a high degree

  • particularly

    more formal and often used to emphasize a single instance or detail

Usage Note

Often used in informal contexts to mean 'particularly' or 'especially'. In very formal writing, 'especially' is sometimes preferred for this meaning.

Common Mistakes

Using 'specially' when the meaning is purely 'very' without the sense of 'in particular' or 'above others'.

2. with the specific intent of serving a single, defined requirement or reason

2.adverbB1
Definition

with the specific intent of serving a single, defined requirement or reason

Example

The carpenter built this wooden desk specially to fit into that awkward corner space.

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Eshe and her husband traveled across the country specially to attend their niece's graduation ceremony last Sunday.

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Common collocations
  • made specially
  • specially for you
  • specially adapted
Synonyms
  • specifically

    often used to emphasize that something is exclusively for one thing

  • expressly

    implies an official, clear, or direct intent

Antonyms

Usage Note

Describes an action taken with a specific, intended goal or unique requirement in mind.

Common Mistakes

Confusing this with 'especially'; 'specially' requires a deliberate purpose or customization.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

When emphasizing a singular point (sense 1), 'specially' is used to highlight that something is distinct. 'Especially' is used to show something stands out above others in degree or importance, while 'particularly' adds a level of formal precision when pointing to one item within a larger group.

specially ↗especially ↗particularly ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • built specially

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle English

The word comes from the Latin word 'specialis', meaning individual or particular. Over time, it entered English through French, evolving to describe things that are set apart from the common or ordinary.

First known use

14th century