especially

Universal Words adverb (abbreviation esp.) 1 more with one person, thing, etc. than with others, or more in particular circumstances than in others SYNPARTICULARLY: The car is quite small, especially if you have children. * Teenagers are very fashion conscious, especially girls. * I love Rome, especially in the spring. 2 for a particular purpose, person, etc: I made it especially for you. 3 very much; to a particular degree: I wasn't feeling especially happy that day. * 'Do you like his novels?' 'Not especially.' ______________________________ WHICHWORD? especially / specially Especially usually means 'particularly': She loves all sports, especially swimming. * It is not placed first in a sentence: I especially like sweet things. _E_s_p_e_c_i_a_l_l_y_ _I_ _l_i_k_e_ _s_w_e_e_t_ _t_h_i_n_g_s. 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 BrE, 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. ______________________________