A2adverb 1K

Mostly

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈməʊstli/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈməʊstli/"]/

Meaning of Mostly

mainly; generally

In simple words: mainly or for the most part

Mostly in a sentence

• The sauce is mostly cream.
• We're mostly out on Sundays.
• Revenue grew by 18 per cent, **mostly due to** the opening of 33 new stores.
• The paintings **consist mostly** of still lifes.
• Disposal of hazardous waste is mostly handled by the public sector.
• Here the vines are mostly grown at below 100 metres above sea level.
• Mostly he eats in a restaurant.
• People mostly grew their own vegetables.
• She mostly calls me by my last name.

How to use Mostly

Used to describe something that is true for the majority or the largest part. Suitable in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using in highly technical or specialized discussions.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'mo' in 'mostly' as 'more'. Mostly means more than half.

Related words

Collocations with Mostly

• mostly true
• mostly harmless
• mostly used
• mostly ignored
• mostly finished

Synonyms for Mostly

• mainly
• largely
• primarily
• predominantly
• chiefly

Opposites of Mostly

• rarely
• seldom
• never

Common mistakes with Mostly

• Using 'mostly' instead of 'most' when comparing amounts.
• Confusing 'mostly' with 'mostly not' to communicate disagreement.
• Using 'mostly' in place of 'generally' or 'usually' without appropriate context.

Frequently asked questions about Mostly

What does Mostly mean?

mainly or for the most part

What is the definition of Mostly?

mainly; generally

How do you use Mostly in a sentence?

The sauce is mostly cream.

Can you give another example of Mostly?

We're mostly out on Sundays.

What are synonyms for Mostly?

Common alternatives include mainly, largely, primarily, predominantly, chiefly.

What is the opposite of Mostly?

Opposite meanings include rarely, seldom, never.

What words go with Mostly?

It commonly pairs with mostly true, mostly harmless, mostly used, mostly ignored, mostly finished.

What are common mistakes when using Mostly?

Using 'mostly' instead of 'most' when comparing amounts. Confusing 'mostly' with 'mostly not' to communicate disagreement. Using 'mostly' in place of 'generally' or 'usually' without appropriate context.

How do you pronounce Mostly?

US: /["/ˈməʊstli/"]/, UK: /["/ˈməʊstli/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Mostly?

Used to describe something that is true for the majority or the largest part. Suitable in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using in highly technical or specialized discussions.

What CEFR level is Mostly?

"Mostly" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.