French word

surtout

Pronunciation

IPA/syʁtu/

Meaning

  • adverbespecially

Example

J'aime la musique, mais j'aime surtout le jazz.

I like music, but I especially like jazz.

Illustration for surtout (especially)

More examples

Il fait froid, surtout aujourd'hui.

It's cold, especially today.

Core concept

A particular choice stands out as the main priority among several possibilities.

Common phrases

  • surtout que

    especially since

  • surtout aujourd'hui

    especially today

Similar words

plutôt: Used to indicate that one choice or tendency is more applicable.
particulièrement: Used to stress an especially strong quality or degree.
avant tout: Used to mark the highest priority or foremost consideration.

Definition in French

S'utilise pour souligner une caractéristique particulière d'un élément parmi d'autres, notamment pour exprimer une préférence.

Word origin

The adverb surtout developed in French from the combination of sur and tout, whose older forms trace back to Latin super and totus.

Usage tips

  • Surtout pas means 'above all not' or 'especially not' and commonly strengthens a prohibition or refusal.

Other meanings

  • above alladverb
  • mainlyadverb

Word lists with this word