partly
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for partly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adverb — To some extent; not completely.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use partly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From part plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of partly →Frequently asked questions
What does “partly” mean?
The word “partly” means to some extent; not completely. In plain terms, used to say something is true to some degree, but not the whole story.
How do you pronounce “partly”?
“Partly” is pronounced PAHT-lee (/ˈpɑɹtli/ in IPA).
How do you use “partly” in a sentence?
Here is “partly” used in a sentence: “The delay was partly caused by bad weather.”
What part of speech is “partly”?
“Partly” is an adverb.
Is “partly” a common word?
“Partly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'partly' and 'partially'?
'Partly' and 'partially' both mean to some extent and are often interchangeable. 'Partly' tends to point to one part of a whole or one of several reasons ('partly because of the rain'), while 'partially' more often describes the degree or incompleteness of a state ('partially cooked').
What is the difference between 'partly' and 'mostly'?
'Partly' means only to some extent, implying a smaller portion is involved, whereas 'mostly' means for the greater part or almost entirely. A 'partly finished' report has a limited amount done, while a 'mostly finished' one is nearly complete.
Can you start a sentence with 'partly'?
Yes, 'partly' can begin a sentence, especially when giving one of several reasons, as in 'Partly because of the weather, the event was cancelled.' It is often balanced later by a second cause introduced with 'and partly' or 'but also.'
What words commonly follow 'partly'?
'Partly' frequently precedes 'because,' 'due to,' and past participles such as 'hidden,' 'covered,' or 'cloudy,' as in 'partly cloudy skies.' It signals that only a portion of something applies or that a cause is one of several.