Specially, is an adverb which is used to tell you something serves a particular purpose. On the other hand, especially is also an adverb that is used to emphasize someone or something over all others. These two words are highly confusing homonyms, as people usually do not understand which one to use, in a sentence. Read out the two examples, which will help you to know the difference between them:
- The application is specially designed to track the location of the stolen phone, especially when the phone is off.
- My mom cooked a lot of dishes specially for me, but the sweet dish was especially delicious.
So, you might have noticed that these two adverbs are used at different positions in the given cases. In the two cases specially indicates ‘specifically’, whereas especially refers to ‘particularly or before all else’.
Content: Specially Vs Especially
Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Specially | Especially |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The word 'specially' is used to mean for a particular purpose. | We use 'especially', when we single out someone or something over the rest. |
| Pronunciation | ˈspɛʃəli | ɪˈspɛʃ(ə)li |
| Describes | Something with distinct objective. | Something exceptional. |
| Usage | When there is a past participle. | Before prepositions and conjunctions. |
| Examples | The smartphone is specially designed for software professionals. | I love flowers, especially roses. |
| Kate wore a specially designed dress at the party. | This place is very hot, especially in summers. | |
| I bought bananas specially for you. | The Principal scolded all the students especially Harry. |
Definition of Specially
The word special is an adjective which means something which is not regular or usual, i.e. it denotes notable or exceptional. Its adverb form is ‘specially’ which refers to ‘for a particular purpose’. It is used to indicate the intention or purpose of doing or developing something, i.e. for which something has done or for whom something is done. Let’s have a look at the points given below to understand its usage:
- For a definite purpose:
- She came to London specially to see Buckingham Palace.
- You can borrow my laptop for your exams, and you don’t need to buy one specially.
- The body lotion is specially manufactured for those with rashes on their skin.
- In a special manner:
- The Cheif guest was treated specially, at the annual function.
- It can also be used in place of especially, to mean particularly or extremely:
- The guests liked all the dishes, specially the main course.
- This is a specially beautiful necklace.
Definition of Especially
The adverb especially is used when there is something much more than the ordinary, i.e. above all other things present. This is mainly used when you want to emphasize someone or something having an edge over the others. However, it can also be used in other contexts also depending on what the sentence means. The points given below will help you to understand its usage:
- Very much, extremely or to a great extent:
- We are not especially interested in watching movies.
- She was especially fond of collecting stamps.
- Particularly or for a certain reason:
- I bought this diamond necklace, especially to gift my mom on her wedding anniversary.
- White tigers are found especially in India.
- Joe wrote a novel, especially to express the love for his wife.
- To indicate a characteristic, idea or quality:
- Heart patients are especially prone to this disease.
- The CEO especially loved the idea of developing a motorbike for teenagers only.
Key Differences Between Specially and Especially
The points presented below are substantial so far as the difference between specially and especially is concerned:
- Specially, is the adverb form of the adjective special, which is used to indicate ‘for a special purpose’. Conversely, the adverb ‘especially’ is used to highlight the importance of something or the superiority of someone, over others. It may also mean very or particularly.
- The word ‘specially’ has only three syllables, whereas there are four syllables in the word ‘especially’.
- When something is created with a specific objective or reason, we use the word specially. As against, especially denotes something exceptional or above all, i.e. when you want to lay stress on what you state is more appropriate to a particular person or thing than the rest.
- Specially used in a sentence when there is a past participle. On the other hand, especially is placed prior to preposition or conjunction in a sentence.
Examples
Specially
- The new train was specially designed for the persons with disability.
- These medicines are specially made to cure dengue.
- What was specially interesting about that place?
Especially
- He remembers all the dates, especially birth and death anniversaries of celebrities.
- It is especially important to reach on time, on the first day of your office.
- You should book the tickets in advance, especially if you want to avoid last minute hustle.
How to remember the difference
You can easily know the difference between specially and especially by understanding their meaning. When something is created or done to serve a different and particular purpose, you use special, whereas when you want to single out someone or something over the rest, you use especially.
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