Definition

1. Adverb:
   • To a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common: Used to emphasize that something is more true or applicable in a specific case compared to the usual situation.
   • In a special manner: Used to indicate that something is done in a way that is different from, and often better than, the normal or standard way, often for a specific purpose or person.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb (Greater extent):

  • The teacher was specially patient with the new student. (The teacher was patient to a much greater degree than usual.)
  • This tool is specially useful for detailed work. (This tool is useful to a distinctly high degree for this task.)

• Adverb (Special manner):

  • The meal was specially prepared for the guests of honor. (The meal was prepared in a unique, careful way for a specific group.)
  • The software was specially designed for users with disabilities. (The software was created in a particular manner to serve a specific need.)

Advanced Usage

• "specially for": Often used to indicate something is done for a particular purpose or person.
  • She baked a cake specially for the celebration. (The cake was baked with that specific event in mind.)
• "specially when": Used to introduce a circumstance that makes the main statement particularly true.
  • Be careful, specially when walking on icy paths. (Caution is emphasized for that specific situation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Special (adj): Better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual.
  • This is a special occasion.
• Especially (adv): Very much; particularly. (Note: 'especially' and 'specially' are often used interchangeably, but 'especially' is more common for meaning "particularly," while 'specially' often implies a specific purpose.)
• Particularly (adv): To a higher degree than is usual or average.

Synonyms

• Particularly: Used to single out a subject for special consideration.
• Especially: Used to emphasize the importance of one thing among others.
• Specifically: For a distinct, named purpose or item.

Related Phrases

• Made specially: Created in a unique way for a specific reason.
  • The prosthetic limb was made specially for the athlete.
• Chosen specially: Selected with particular care for a specific reason.
  • The books were chosen specially for the reading program.

Related Idioms

• (Not) Specially: Used informally to mean "not particularly" or "not very."
  • "Are you hungry?" "Not specially." (Meaning: Not very hungry.)
• Nothing specially: Nothing out of the ordinary.
  • It was a nice day, but nothing specially exciting happened.

Adverb

1. to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
   • he was particularly fussy about spelling
   • a particularly gruesome attack
   • under peculiarly tragic circumstances
   • an especially (or specially) cautious approach to the danger
2. in a special manner
   • a specially arranged dinner