Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

especially

 adverb
     
es‧pe‧cial‧ly S1 W1
1 [sentence adverb] used to emphasize that something is more important or happens more with one particular thing than with others [= particularly]:
I never liked long walks, especially in winter.
Art books are expensive to produce, especially if they contain colour illustrations.
2 [+ adjective/adverb] to a particularly high degree or much more than usual [= particularly]:
I was especially fond of chocolate biscuits.
Feedback is especially important in learning skills.
A depreciation of the dollar would make US exports cheaper and especially so in Japan.
Graphics are especially well handled in the book.
3 for a particular person, purpose etc
especially for
She bought a new pair of trainers especially for the trip.
4

not especially

not very, or not very much:
Accidents aren't especially common, but you never know.
He didn't especially want to learn to dance.
WORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:

especially, specially It is better to use especially in front of adjectives to emphasize them, although some people also use specially • The cake was especially good. • This part is especially interesting. Use especially to say that something applies more to one thing or situation than to others • Everyone loved it, especially the children. • You should call first, especially if you're going to be late. Use specially to say that something is done or made for a particular purpose • I got this specially for you. • specially designed equipment!!Especially never comes at the start of a sentence • He loves fruit. He especially likes kiwis (NOT Especially he likes ...).
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
 
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