especially

Everyday

1. Especially means more than usual, or more than others; particularly. tree →
2. Especially means for one special purpose or person, as in made especially for you. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk and writing, «especially» points to the most important example: «I love fruit, especially strawberries.» In safety advice, «Wear sunscreen, especially at midday» marks when something matters most. In school writing, «especially» helps add detail and emphasis. In maths problems it can show which item matters most.

Examples

• I love animals, especially dogs. tree →
• It's cold, especially at night. tree →
• Wash your hands, especially before you eat. tree →
• This cake is especially for you. tree →
• Be careful on the stairs, especially when they're wet. tree →
• She is especially good at drawing horses. tree →
• Bees are especially busy in summer. tree →
• They give themselves great airs, especially the ibis. tree →

Note

Spelt with double l: especially. Do not put it at the start of a sentence on its own («Especially dogs.» is not a full sentence). «Especially» and «specially» are close; «specially» is used for «for a special purpose» (specially made). Not «expecially».

In Jewish tradition

In everyday talk and writing, «especially» points to the most important example: «I love fruit, especially strawberries.» In safety advice, «Wear sunscreen, especially at midday» marks when something matters most. In school writing, «especially» helps add detail and emphasis. In maths problems it can show which item matters most.

Examples

• Constellations; especially the twelve signs of the Zodiac. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• This chapter is especially concerned with the essence of the Triad, as represented by the Three Mothers, Aleph, Mem, and Shin. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• The Mishnah treating of permutation was well explained by all commentators, especially by S. (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →

Note

Spelt with double l: especially. Do not put it at the start of a sentence on its own («Especially dogs.» is not a full sentence). «Especially» and «specially» are close; «specially» is used for «for a special purpose» (specially made). Not «expecially».