partly
Americanadverb
adverb
Usage
Partly and partially are to some extent interchangeable, but partly should be used when referring to a part or parts of something: the building is partly (not partially ) of stone, while partially is preferred for the meaning to some extent: his mother is partially (not partly ) sighted
Etymology
Origin of partly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This partly reflects booming growth in fields that traditionally employ more women, such as healthcare and social assistance, while women also are making inroads in traditionally male-dominated jobs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026
Mark Sumner, a coach driver from Alcester, said him and his wife sold their previous home partly to clear old debts that had accrued from bills including energy.
From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026
The changes would consolidate seven Area Planning Commissions into one, partly to lower costs and ensure that all appeals and applications are governed by the same logic.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026
Intel on Thursday said that persistent weakness in demand for PCs, spurred by rising memory prices, was partly to blame for a forecast that came short of what analysts had been expecting.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026
I didn’t ask who Doris was, partly because I didn’t want to know, and partly because I already did know.
From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
