Especial x special

Question

Especial x specialIs there any difference between them?Thanks.

Usenet · Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, non-native speakers get hung up on the adverb forms of these words: especially, specially. It's the first time I've seen this question with the adjectives.
Here's the best explanation I've found...
194 especial(ly) and special(ly), pg.187

*Especial(ly)* and *special(ly)* can often both be used with the same meaning.
It was not (e)specially 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 fruit, especially apples.
Especially follows a subject.
All my family likes music. My father, especially, goes to as many concerts as he can. (NOT...Especially my father goes...)
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.
SOURCE: Practical English Usage, 2nd edition, Michael Swan

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