partially

partially — adverb

1. to some extent rather than fully, so that only part of something is done, shown,

1.adverbC1
Definition

to some extent rather than fully, so that only part of something is done, shown, or true.

Example

The road was partially closed after last night's heavy rain.

partially + past participle for limited access

By noon, the ice on the lake had partially melted.

partially + change verb

Common collocations
  • partially closed
  • partially covered
  • partially hidden
  • partially damaged
  • partially open
Synonyms
  • partly

    the more common everyday word, especially in speech

  • somewhat

    more general and often weaker in force

  • incompletely

    more formal and focused on something unfinished

  • half

    informal and common in speech, often less precise

Antonyms
  • completely

    shows that nothing is left unfinished or missing

  • fully

    stresses total amount or full development

  • entirely

    slightly more formal, meaning wholly

Grammar Patterns

be partially + closed/covered/hidden/damaged

partially + melt/open/recover

only partially + verb

Usage Note

Often used before past participles or adjectives, especially in writing: partially hidden, partially open, partially complete. Compared with partly, it sounds slightly more formal and is very common in reports, news, and instructions.

Common Mistakes

The window was partial open.
The window was partially open.
use the adverb partially to modify open, not the adjective partial.
The form was completely partially filled out.
The form was partially filled out.
do not combine partially with completely because the meanings conflict.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Partially and partly are close, but partly is usually more common in everyday speech. Partially often sounds a little more formal and is especially common in reports, instructions, and descriptions of condition, such as partially closed or partially hidden. Somewhat is broader and often weaker, describing degree in a more general way, especially with opinions or qualities. Incompletely is more formal and focuses on something left unfinished. Half is informal and common in speech, but it can sound less exact than partially. You might say a road is partially closed, a child is somewhat tired, homework is incompletely finished, or a sandwich is half eaten.

partly ↗somewhat ↗incompletelyhalf ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • partially closed
  • partially covered
  • partially hidden
  • partially open
  • partially melted

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

Partially was formed in English from partial plus the adverb ending -ly. Partial came through French from Latin words based on pars, meaning a part or piece. The modern adverb keeps that idea and is used when something is true or complete only in part.