mostly

American  

[mohst-lee] / ˈmoʊst li /

adverb

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

   The work is mostly done.

2. chiefly; principally.

3. generally; customarily.

---

mostly British  

/ ˈməʊstlɪ /

adverb

1. almost entirely; chiefly

2. on many or most occasions; usually

---

Etymology

Origin of mostly

First recorded in 1585–95; most + -ly

Example Sentences

—Asian markets were mostly higher on Thursday, with Hong Kong and mainland China remaining closed for the Lunar New Year holiday that began Monday.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Arenas struggled, Illinois own star freshman, Keaton Wagler, was held mostly in check.

From Los Angeles Times

Not long before, “talkies” had been mostly a pipe dream.

From The Wall Street Journal

Several immigration-related agencies within DHS—namely Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement—also continue to be mostly funded, thanks to additional dollars provided as part of last year’s reconciliation law.

From The Wall Street Journal

The product is used in more than 1,000 operations a week, mostly in knee replacements, but also in some hip and shoulder replacements.

From BBC

Related Words

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