mostly

American  

[mohst-lee] / ˈmoʊst li /

adverb

1. for the most part; in the main.

   The work is mostly done.

2. chiefly; principally.

3. generally; customarily.

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mostly British  

/ ˈməʊstlɪ /

adverb

1. almost entirely; chiefly

2. on many or most occasions; usually

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Etymology

Origin of mostly

First recorded in 1585–95; most + -ly

Example Sentences

Mostly that pistachios have on and off years, producing significantly less every other year, and need sufficient cooling periods in the winter, which is becoming more challenging in California due to the warming climate.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Mostly, Julian and Lori take turns thwarting his obnoxious kids and threatening to quit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Mostly, he insisted, the unhoused neighbors were vigilant stewards, and helped with sweeping and trash pickup and the like; “99 percent of the time it was working great,” he said.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

Mostly famously, it proved the existence of the Higgs boson -- known as the "God particle" -- in 2012.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

Mostly he teaches us things we need to learn to take care of the Ranch and the land.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Related Words

• chiefly
• essentially
• frequently
• largely
• often
• particularly
• predominantly
• principally
• regularly
• usually