What is the difference between the words specially and especially?

Answer 1

Especially or Specially?

This is a favorite question of grammar checkers. Most of the time there is little or no difference between the words especially and specially.


Special is a common adjective. Specially is its adverb form. Special means "particular, distinguished in a distinct way, or designed for a particular purpose." Specially means "particularly, in a disintguishing manner, or for a particular purpose."


Especial is an uncommon adjective. Especially, its adverb form, is much more common. Especial means "exceptional, noteworthy, or particular." Especially means "exceptionally, in a noteworthy manner, or particularly."


In the sense of "particular" or "particularly," the words mean pretty much the same thing. Often they can be used synonymously. However, if you want to stress the exceptional or noteworthy quality, then especial or especially is a better choice. If you want to stress the distinctive purpose of something, then special or specially is the word you are looking for.

Example: This program has specially designed macros for word processors.
(A distinctive purpose)
Example: He did especially well in All-Star Game.
(A noteworthy performance)

Answer 2

One entry found for specially.
Main Entry: spe·cial·ly
Pronunciation: 'spe-sh(&-)lE
Function: adverb
1 : in a special manner
2 a : for a special purpose b : in particular : SPECIFICALLY
3 : ESPECIALLY 2
One entry found for especially.
Main Entry: es·pe·cial·ly
Pronunciation: is-'pesh-lE, -'pe-sh&-
Function: adverb
1 : SPECIALLY 1
2 a : in particular : PARTICULARLY b : for a particular purpose
3 -- used as an intensive

Answer 3

specially refers to how something is being done or made while especially means in particular.i mean you lay emphasis on the point you're making the especially.

Answer 4

my diamond earring were specially made for me.

I especially liked my diamond earrings.