speciellt

Speciellt is a Swedish adverb meaning specifically or especially. It is used to emphasize one particular item, aspect, or situation, or to introduce a specification within a broader statement. For example, Det gäller speciellt för barn translates to This applies especially to children, highlighting a group as a key focus.

Etymology and form: Speciellt is the adverbial form of the adjective speciell, which means special. The adjective derives from the same root as English special and French spécial, ultimately tracing to Latin specialis. In Swedish, adverbs such as speciellt are often formed by adding the suffix -t to adjectives, yielding a contrastive or emphatic modifier.

Usage notes: Speciellt can modify verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses, and it commonly appears before the element it highlights or at the start of a clause. Examples include Det är speciellt viktigt (It is especially important) and Det gäller speciellt i det här fallet (That applies especially in this case). The word is widely used in formal and informal contexts, though vissa cases may favor the synonym särskilt, which also means especially but with a slightly broader sense of emphasis.

Comparison and nuance: Both speciellt and särskilt can translate to “especially” in English, but speciellt often signals emphasis on a particular item or scenario, while särskilt frequently marks a more general or categorical emphasis. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but choosing between them can subtly affect tone and focus.

See also: särskilt, överdrivet, explict.