especially

UK: /ɪˈspɛʃ^əli/ US: /ɪˈspɛʃəli/ ,(i spesh′ə lē)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

es•pe•cial•ly /ɪˈspɛʃəli/   adv. 

1. Pronouns to an exceptional degree;
   particularly;
   markedly:
   Be especially watchful.
2. in particular;
   above all:
   It is hot here, especially in July.
3. for a particular purpose;
   specifically:
   These clothes were designed especially for you.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

es•pe•cial•ly  (i spesh′ə lē), adv. 

1. Pronouns particularly;
   exceptionally;
   markedly:
   Be especially watchful.

• 1350–1400; Middle English; see especial, -ly

Synonyms

signally, notably; mainly. Especially, chiefly, particularly, principally refer to those cases that seem to be significant. Especially and particularly single out the most prominent case or example (often in order to particularize a general statement):
Winter is especially severe on old people. Corn grows well in the Middle West, particularly in Iowa.
Chiefly and principally imply that the general statement applies to a majority of the cases in question, and have a somewhat comparative force:
Owls fly chiefly at night. Crime occurs principally in large cities.

Usage

See special. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

especially / ɪˈspɛʃəlɪ/ adverb

1. in particular; specifically: for everyone's sake, especially your children's
2. very much: especially useful for vegans