Especial means special: more important, more particular, not the ordinary kind. Though actually it is not the everyday twin of special. Special is the word most people reach for — a special price, special effects. Especial sounds a little older and more careful. You meet it in phrases like especial importance, especial interest, take especial care — extra care, more than usual. You can almost always say special instead; especial just puts a quieter, more formal coat on the same idea. The everyday adverb everyone uses is especially, built from this adjective.