What is the difference between especially and specially?

Especially vs Specially

Especially = above all, particularly — 'I love fruit, especially mangoes'. Specially = for a particular purpose — 'made specially for you'.

The one-line answer

Especially = above all, particularly — 'I love fruit, especially mangoes'. Specially = for a particular purpose — 'made specially for you'.

especially

adverb

more than usual or more than others; particularly

I love all sports, especially basketball.
It's especially hot today.
The exam was hard, especially the listening part.

specially

adverb

for a particular purpose or in a special way

The room was prepared specially for the guests.
She wore a dress specially made for the occasion.
This software was designed specially for schools.

Memory trick

Especially = eSpecially picks out one thing from many (like 'especially' picks). Specially = done with a special purpose. Try replacing with 'particularly' — only especially fits.

Especially vs Specially: Test yourself

Question 1 of 2

I like all music, ___ jazz.