partly
gb/pˈɑɹtli/ us/pˈɑɹtli/
A2
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
property
1
To some extent, but not fully
A little, but not completely.
Usage pattern:
partly [adjective] / partly because [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'partly' with 'partially'. While they are often interchangeable, 'partially' is preferred in technical contexts, and 'partly' in everyday speech.
Synonyms
partially (Very close in meaning; often interchangeable, but 'partially' can sound slightly more formal or technical.)
Antonyms
completely (Means fully or entirely, the opposite of only partly.)
Collocations
partly responsible
|partly true
|partly cloudy
|partly due to
|partly because
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The road was partly blocked by fallen trees.
- She was partly responsible for the project's success.
- The delay was partly due to bad weather.
- He was only partly satisfied with the results.
- The sky was partly cloudy all afternoon.
Learner examples
- It is partly my fault.
- The bag is partly open.
- She is partly happy about the news.
- The street is partly closed.
- It is partly because of the rain.
Grammar
Dictionary form
partly
IPA
GB/pˈɑɹtli/
US/pˈɑɹtli/
Syllables & stress
partly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (partly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: partly
- Plural: partlies
Word family
Expressions
partly because
1/pˈɑɹtli bɪkˈʌz/
fixed phrase
Giving a partial reason
Used to say that something happened for one of several reasons.
Examples
- We moved to the city partly because of my new job.
- I stayed home partly because I was tired.
partly due to
1/pˈɑɹtli dˈu tə/
fixed phrase
Explaining something with one partial cause
Used to explain that something happened for one of a few reasons.
Examples
- The flight was late partly due to bad weather.
- The team's loss was partly due to a lack of preparation.