specially

[spesh-uh-lee]

adverb

1. in a distinct or particular way; uniquely.

   All our products are specially handcrafted and fabricated under our own supervision, providing you with a fully customizable storage system.

2. with definite intent; with a specific occasion, person, etc., in mind: The travelogue was specially requested by a member of the group.

   Through specially arranged team activities, the children learn important social skills, including cooperation and respect for others.

   The travelogue was specially requested by a member of the group.

3. above all; especially.

   The climate up here is really refreshing, specially right after the heat and humidity of the plains.

Other Word Forms

• nonspecially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of specially¹

special ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The players have removed their prosthetic legs and are sitting in specially designed sleds.

From BBC

For the past year, Los Angeles has been testing a program that dispatches specially trained civilians who don’t carry guns in response to certain calls for help.

From Los Angeles Times

Specialist cancer nurses are specially trained to administer treatments including chemotherapy.

From BBC

An earlier investigation into the facility revealed that officers had made “sport” of tormenting mentally ill inmates, including forcing inmates into a specially rigged, scalding hot shower as punishment for unruly behavior.

From Salon

The child is yet to be formally identified but family have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers, police said.

From BBC

Related Words

• especially 
• expressly 
• specifically 
• uniquely www.thesaurus.com

When To Use

What's the difference between specially and especially?

Specially most commonly means in a special manner or for a special purpose, as in or This was specially made or You were specially chosen for this project. Especially means particularly or exceptionally, as in That was especially helpful or This road can be dangerous, especially when it’s icy.Perhaps most confusingly, specially is sometimes used as a synonym of especially, though especially is much more commonly used.Both words are adverbs. Specially is the adverb form of the adjective special. This might be the best way to remember the way specially is typically used, which is to describe something being done in a special way or for a special purpose. On the other hand, the adjective especial is not commonly used. Especially can always be used interchangeably with particularly.Here’s an example of specially and especially used correctly in a sentence.Example: The team worked especially hard to specially make all of these decorations in time for the event.Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between specially and especially.