specially

/ˈspɛʃəli/

/ˈspɛʃəli/

Specially means "for a special purpose." If you walk into a room that's been specially decorated for St. Patrick's Day, there is probably a lot of green involved, and a shamrock or two.

Use the adverb specially as a slightly less formal version of especially to mean something done in a particular way — like the fabric of a raincoat that's been specially treated to repel water. Specially also tells about something done for a special occasion, like when you make your sister a specially decorated cake for her birthday.

Definitions of specially

1. adverb

   in a special manner
   “a specially arranged dinner”

   synonyms: especially
2. adverb

   to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
   synonyms: especially, particularly, peculiarly