partly

partly — adverb

1. to a limited extent, with only some of something included, true, or done.

1.adverbB1
Definition

to a limited extent, with only some of something included, true, or done.

Example

The kitchen window was partly open during the heavy afternoon rain.

partly + adjective

Nina reached the station late, partly because of heavy traffic.

partly because of + noun

Common collocations
  • partly open
  • partly closed
  • partly hidden
  • partly because of
  • partly due to
Synonyms
  • partially

    very close in meaning, but slightly more formal and common in technical writing

  • somewhat

    often means to a small degree, especially with opinions or descriptions

  • in part

    common when explaining one reason among several

  • half

    stronger and usually suggests something nearer fifty percent

Antonyms
  • completely

    shows that nothing is missing

  • entirely

    slightly more formal than 'completely'

  • fully

    common when talking about degree or completion

Grammar Patterns

partly + adjective/past participle

partly because of + noun

partly + verb (agree/understand)

Usage Note

Often comes before an adjective or past participle, as in 'partly open' or 'partly hidden'. With reasons, it commonly appears in phrases such as 'partly because of' and 'partly due to'.

Common Mistakes

The road is partial closed today.
The road is partly closed today.
Use the adverb 'partly' before 'closed'; 'partial' is an adjective.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Partly is the everyday choice for saying that something is true, done, or caused only to a limited extent. Partially is very close in meaning, but it sounds a little more formal and often appears in official, medical, or technical writing. Somewhat usually points to a small degree and is especially common with opinions or descriptions, such as feeling somewhat nervous. In part is useful when you explain one reason among several, especially in writing. Half is stronger and should be kept for situations near fifty percent, not just an incomplete amount. Compare: 'The door was partly open', 'The file was partially damaged', and 'The delay was in part due to rain.'

partially ↗somewhat ↗in part ↗half ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • only partly

Phrases

  • partly because of
  • partly due to
  • partly cloudy
  • partly open

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Partly was formed in English from part plus the adverb ending -ly. The base word part came into English through French from Latin pars, meaning a share or piece. From that idea, partly developed the meaning 'in part' or 'not fully'.