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.
"A shirt becomes iconic partly because of what happened while someone was wearing it. The passage of time also changes how we perceive and appreciate a football kit."
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026
Both Musk and Bezos see space as the perfect home for remote servers, partly because of the vast energy that can be harnessed from the sun.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said the rollout has been slow partly because safety is his top priority.
From Barron's • May 29, 2026
Anandarangam said the tent exists partly because visiting families are left waiting outside.
From Slate • May 29, 2026
The red and yellow and orange title was partly visible.
From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
