Thread: Difference between specially and especially

That's an excellent question Daniel!!

I know the difference in usage but I don't know if I could explain it intelligently

Here is one explanation:

Special means "particular, distinguished in a distinct way, or designed for a particular purpose." Specially means "particularly, in a disintguishing manner, or for a particular purpose."

Especial is an uncommon adjective. Especially, its adverb form, is much more common.

In every use, especial can be replaced by special with no change in meaning. The word special does have some meanings especial does not have, such as "of or relating to a species" and as a euphemism for handicapped.

However, almost nobody uses the word "especial."

I think it mainly depends on how the sentence is formed.

EX: Today is a special day. Today is especially important.

I agree Franco. Especial is not heard that often but there are some sentence formations in which you would use it. I can only think of instances in which it follows the subject. Placed before the subject it sounds odd.

EX: This is a day especial.

It just would not sound right to say "This is an especial day."

99.99% of the time people would say "This day is special" or "This is a special day".