mostly
gb/mˈoʊstli/ us/mˈoʊstli/
A2
English
~ 2300
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
relation
1
mainly or for the most part
Used to say that something is true for most of the time, people, or things, but not all.
Usage pattern:
mostly [clause/adjective/noun phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'mostly' with 'most'. 'Mostly' is an adverb, while 'most' can be an adjective or adverb with different grammar patterns.
Synonyms
mainly (Slightly more formal and neutral; interchangeable in most contexts.)
|
largely (Often used in more formal writing; emphasizes extent.)
Antonyms
rarely (Opposite in terms of frequency or extent.)
|
hardly ever (Colloquial opposite, stressing very low occurrence.)
Collocations
mostly true
|mostly peaceful
|mostly accurate
|mostly sunny
|mostly agree
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The meeting was mostly about budget planning.
- She is mostly happy with her new job.
- It will be mostly sunny tomorrow.
- The film was mostly well-received by critics.
- I mostly agree with what you said.
Learner examples
- It is mostly warm in summer.
- I am mostly tired after work.
- The food here is mostly good.
- He is mostly quiet in class.
Grammar
Expressions
mostly peaceful
1/mˈoʊstli pˈisfəl/
fixed phrase
peaceful for the most part
Used to describe events or situations that are calm and without violence most of the time.
Examples
- The protest was mostly peaceful despite a few tense moments.
- Life in the village is mostly peaceful.
mostly sunny
1/mˈoʊstli sˈʌni/
fixed phrase
sunny most of the time
Used in weather reports to say that the day will have sun for most of the time, with some clouds.
Examples
- Tomorrow will be mostly sunny with a chance of showers.
- The forecast says it will be mostly sunny this afternoon.
mostly true
1/mˈoʊstli tɹˈu/
fixed phrase
true in most respects
Used to say that something is correct in most ways, but not completely.
Examples
- Her statement was mostly true, but she left out some details.
- The article is mostly true, though a few facts are wrong.