Specially

'spɛʃəli

adverbmedium📊CommonPurpose
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

For a particular purpose, reason, or person; in a special manner.

'spɛʃəli

adverbneutralmedium
Purpose

For a particular purpose or reason

This website is specially designed to provide information about various subjects.

💡 Simply: When you do something EXTRA for a certain thing or person. Like, if you decorate a cake specially for your friend's birthday, you are making it extra nice just for them!

👶 For kids: Doing something extra special for a reason, like getting a special toy because you were good.

More Examples

2

I bought this book specially to prepare for the exam.

3

The dress was specially made for her by a famous designer.

4

We ordered this dish specially for you.

How It's Used

General

"He designed the kitchen specially for a chef."

Business

"The training program was created specially for new employees."

2

To a greater extent or degree; particularly.

'spɛʃəli

adverbpositiveBeginner
Emphasis

To a greater degree than is usual or expected

I'm specially grateful for your help.

💡 Simply: When you do something even MORE than usual, or it's extra important. Like, if you like pizza, you specially like pepperoni pizza!

👶 For kids: When something is extra, super, or really great!

More Examples

2

She's specially happy to see you.

3

The chef is specially known for his desserts.

4

They are specially careful with this client.

How It's Used

General

"I am specially thankful to my parents for their support."

Informal

"He's specially good at maths!"

Tip:Think of something being extra good or important – it's happening specially!

From Middle English *specialli*, equivalent to special + -ly. Ultimately from Latin *specialis* ('individual, particular').

Historically used to emphasize a specific purpose or degree, and to distinguish something as unique or tailored.

Memory tip

Think of someone doing something in a way that's not usual – they are doing it specially!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"particular, individual"

specially designedspecially madespecially preparedspecially forspecially to

Common misspellings

specillyspeaciallyspecaily

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written