spesielt

Spesielt is a Norwegian adverb meaning "especially" or "particularly." It is used to single out a part of a larger context or to emphasize a specific characteristic, situation, or example. Spesielt tends to strengthen the element it introduces and can appear before the noun phrase it modifies, as well as before adjectives or clauses.

Examples illustrate its use: “Jeg liker alle frukter, spesielt epler.” (I like all fruits, especially apples.) “Denne boken er spesielt relevant for studenter.” (This book is especially relevant for students.) It can also appear at the start of a sentence for emphasis, as in “Spesielt under vinteren kreves det ekstra beredskap.”

Distinctions and related forms: the related adjective is spesiell, meaning "special" or "particular" in a descriptive sense (not the same as the adverbial use of spesielt). Norwegian also has synonyms with slightly different nuances, such as særlig and især, which can be used in similar contexts to indicate emphasis but with distinct connotations.

Etymology: spesielt is cognate with the English special and the German speziell, all tracing back to Latin specialis via French spécial. The Norwegian form reflects this common European root, adapted to Norwegian pronunciation and grammar.

See also: spesiell, særlig, især, Norwegian language.