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.
KT’s 1Q operating profit likely fell 29% on year, partly due to higher costs from a customer retention program following a 2025 data breach, the analysts write in a note.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026
Globalstar stock has more than tripled in value over the past 12 months, driven partly by an earlier agreement with Apple.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
The cost of partly finished goods shot up 2.6%, with accounting for three-quarters of the increase.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026
Iran had continued to pump crude to Asia since the start of the Middle East war, partly shielded by its elusive "dark fleet".
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
And never mind what he said, deep inside I did feel like it was partly my fault.
From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper
![]()
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.