mostly

[mohst-lee]

adverb

1. for the most most much part; in the main.

   The work is mostly done.

2. chiefly; principally.

3. generally; customarily.

mostly

/ ˈməʊstlɪ /

adverb

1. almost entirely; chiefly

2. on many or most occasions; usually

Word History and Origins

Origin of mostly¹

First recorded in 1585–95; most + -ly

Example Sentences

CTE, caused by concussions and non-concussive impacts, tends to be diagnosed mostly in those who have played football for a decade or longer.

From Los Angeles Times

His mother said she taught him; he says he mostly picked it up himself.

From Los Angeles Times

So far, fundraising has been mostly anemic, at least according to the county’s most recent comprehensive campaign finance data available for the sheriff’s race, which covers only Jan. 1 through June 30.

From Los Angeles Times

The new Netflix film mostly tells the story of Inspector Zende and his team who then travel to Goa to catch him.

From BBC

Because rats live in drains, sewers and burrows, and emerge mostly at night, counting them is nearly impossible, so estimates on rat population figures vary.

From BBC

Related Words

• chiefly 
• essentially 
• frequently 
• largely 
• often 
• particularly 
• predominantly www.thesaurus.com
• principally 
• regularly 
• usually