B2adverb2K

Partly

UK /["/ˈpɑːtli/"]/US /["/ˈpɑːrtli/"]/

Definition

to some extent; not completely

In simple words: Not completely; some amount.

Examples

  • The project is partly finished, but we still have a lot of work to do.
  • Partly cloudy skies are expected throughout the day.
  • He was partly responsible for the mistakes made in the report.
  • The event was cancelled partly due to the weather conditions.
  • She is partly happy with her results, but believes she could have done better.
  • The story was based partly on true events, making it even more interesting.

Usage notes

Use 'partly' when you want to describe something that is only true in part. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written English, but avoid using it in overly formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'part' in 'partly' as if you're sharing a pizza — you might have only a slice.

Collocations

  • partly cloudy
  • partly responsible
  • partly true
  • partly finished
  • partly understood

Synonyms

  • partially
  • fractionally
  • in part
  • to some extent
  • somewhat

Antonyms

  • wholly
  • completely
  • entirely

Common mistakes

  • 'Partly' is sometimes confused with 'part' as in the amount.
  • Some learners use 'partly' incorrectly with a noun instead of an adjective.
  • Mistakenly using 'partly' in place of 'mostly' or 'mainly'.