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Definition of especially adverb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

especially

adverb
 
/ɪˈspeʃəli/
 
/ɪˈspeʃəli/
(abbreviation esp.)
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  1. more with one person, thing, etc. than with others, or more in particular circumstances than in others synonym particularly
    • In some countries, especially poorer ones, healthcare systems are struggling to cope.
    • 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 the importance of honest communication between managers and employees.
      • The study highlights how important good communication is for an organization.
      • Effective communication skills are essential.
      • Excellent communication skills are crucial for a negotiator.
      • Good communication skills are vital to career success.
      • 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 non-verbal communication plays a key role in getting your message across.
      • An important point to remember is that good communication is a two-way process.
      • 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.
  2. 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.
      It is not placed first in a sentence:
      • 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.
  3. very much; to a particular degree
    • A plentiful supply of water is especially important in summer.
    • especially useful/interesting
    • Many websites display the date of publication within the URL for the page. This is especially true of blogs and news sites.
    • I wasn't feeling especially happy that day.
    • ‘Do you like his novels?’ ‘Not especially.’
See especially in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee especially in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
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