particularly
/pərˈtɪkjələli/
adverb
Origin
Latin
particula — small part, particle
Overview
Meaning Now
- To a higher degree than is usual or average; especially.
- In a way that singles out a specific person, thing, or situation; specifically.
Literal older meaning
in the manner of a small part
Language path
Latin → Middle French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
particuler
Earliest period
late 14th century
Journey
The word evolved from Latin 'particula' (small part) through Old French. By the 14th century, it was used in English to denote something that applied to a specific, limited instance rather than a general category. The modern adverbial sense of 'especially' developed in the 17th century.
Evolution
- Latin
particula
“small part”
- Old French
particulier
“specific, individual”
- Middle English
particuler
“specific, detailed”
borrowed from Old French
- Middle English
particulerly
“in a specific manner”
Connections
Word parts
part
root
part
ic
suffix
pertaining to
ular
suffix
diminutive suffix
ly
suffix
adverbial marker
Related across languages
French
particulièrement
particularly
Italian
particolarmente
particularly
Explore next
Related to particularly
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.