especially

adverb

es·​pe·​cial·​ly i-ˈspe-shə-lē How to pronounce especially (audio)
-ˈspesh-lē
1
2
a
: in particular : particularly
food seems cheaper, especially meats
b
: for a particular purpose
built especially for research
3
used as an intensive
an especially good essay
nothing especially radical in the remarks

Examples of especially in a Sentence

With the help of his staff, [Tim] Russert was especially good at arming himself for an interview by compiling a politician's previous statements in all their contradictions. Google was his tool and Gotcha his game. David Remnick, New Yorker, 23 June 2008
In 1972, we began nonstop coverage of the Nixon-McGovern presidential campaign. Hunter [S. Thompson] took over my life then—and for many years after that when he was reporting (long nocturnal telephone calls and frequent all-night strategy sessions) and especially when he was writing. He was demanding in his need for time, attention, care, handling and editing. Jann S. Wenner, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2005
Moreover, Gone with the Wind is peopled with characters whose inconsistencies make them interesting, none more so than Scarlett O'Hara, an unattractive, inexplicably seductive antiheroine whom Trollope himself might well have been pleased to dream up on an especially good day. Terry Teachout, National Review, 20 Aug. 2001
… I am a tax dweeb. I like thinking about taxes and writing about taxes, and I really like doing my taxes. Especially since do-it-yourself tax software in a box got so great. Linda Stern, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2000
He was especially concerned about the contract. There is nothing especially radical about that idea. Winning this tournament was especially satisfying. I made this pie especially for you.
Recent Examples on the Web Consider how this technology could enhance your customer engagement capabilities, especially in industries like manufacturing, healthcare and retail. Lori Thomas, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 Chemerinsky also thinks that the Internet, and especially social media, must be policed. Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024 Randolph’s love of (and talent for) performing — especially stage singing — puts her in the future-EGOT conversation, especially after her Tony Award nomination back in 2012. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2024 The system will also churn up seas in the Gulf and could produce rough surf and dangerous rip currents for much of the basin, especially later this week. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for especially 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'especially.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of especially was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near especially

Cite this Entry

“Especially.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/especially. Accessed 29 Sep. 2024.

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