How to pronounce especially
Say it like uh-SPESH-lee. Especially has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPESH).
- uh
- SPESH
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Starts with 'es', not 'ex': 'ih-SPESH-uh-lee'.
Especially pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SPESHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of especially
American and British speakers say especially in essentially the same way: /əˈspɛʃli/ in the US and /ɪˈspɛʃli/ in the UK.
British respelling: ih-SPESH-lee.
What does especially mean?
- In a special manner; specially.“He got up early especially.”
- Particularly; to a greater extent than is normal.
- Exeptionally.“The buildings are not especially large.”
Where does especially come from?
From especial + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with especially
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of especially.
Questions about saying especially
How do you pronounce especially?
Say uh-SPESH-lee. The American pronunciation is /əˈspɛʃli/. In British English it is /ɪˈspɛʃli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in especially?
Especially has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPESH). Broken into parts: uh · SPESH · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say especially the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈspɛʃli/ and the British form is /ɪˈspɛʃli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.