different between specially vs namely

English

Etymology

From Middle English specialli, specially, equivalent to special +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?sp???li/
• Hyphenation: spe?cial?ly

Adverb

specially (not comparable)

1. For a special purpose, person, or occasion.

2. (proscribed) extremely

3. (proscribed) in particular

Usage notes

• Senses 2 and 3 are non-standard; in such cases, especially is far more common, and considered correct.

Synonyms

• (for a special purpose):
• (extremely): exceedingly, passing, quite; see also Thesaurus:very
• (in particular): see also Thesaurus:specifically

Translations

See also

• especially

Middle English

Adverb

specially

1. Alternative form of specialli

English

Etymology

From Middle English namely, nameliche, namelike, equivalent to name +? -ly. Cognate with Saterland Frisian nämmelk, West Frisian nammentlik, Dutch namelijk, German Low German nämlich, German nämlich, Danish nemlig, Swedish nämligen, Icelandic nefnilega.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?ne?mli/

Adverb

namely (not comparable)

1. Specifically; that is to say.
2. (now rare) Especially, above all.

Usage notes

A synonymous expression is the use of colon—":", as in "There are three ways to do it: the right way, the wrong way […]."

Since this is considered a dependent clause, a comma should follow the expression and either a semicolon or a comma should precede it, depending on the strength of the break in continuity. "Namely" can thus almost be considered a conjunction.

Synonyms

• that is to say, to wit, videlicet, scilicet, viz., sc.; see also Thesaurus:specifically or Thesaurus:in other words

Translations

Anagrams

• Manley, Melany, laymen, meanly, yelman