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

Global oil and gas supplies have been disrupted as shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway have mostly been halted since the war began on 28 February.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“Sorry,” he said brightly, “I threw up in that seat on the 405 yesterday, but I think I mostly cleaned it up.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The stock market overcame a steep early slide to mostly finish higher.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Since then, for a host of complicated and mostly unforeseeable reasons, disparate circumstances across the region incline, slowly, in a promising direction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The primary bedroom belongs to me and Camille, mostly because it’s the only space big enough for two twin beds.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

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