Especial(ly) and special(ly)

Especially and specially can often both be used with the same meaning.

It was not (e) especially cold.

Especially is used to mean ‘above all’.

I play a lot of tennis, especially on Sundays.

It rains a lot, especially in the north.

The children are very noisy, especially when we have visitors.

I like all kinds of fruits, especially apples.

Especially follows a subject.

All my family like music. My father, especially, goes to as many concerts as he can.

Specially is used to mean ‘for a particular purpose’.

These shoes were specially made for me.

The adjective especial is rare. We normally use special.

He took special trouble over his work.