partly

American  

[pahrt-lee] / ˈpɑrt li /

adverb

1. in part; to some extent or degree; not wholly; partially.

   His statement is partly true.

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partly British  

/ ˈpɑːtlɪ /

adverb

1. to some extent; not completely

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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

First recorded in 1515–25; part + -ly

Example Sentences

Templeton says this is partly due to the proposal being at an early stage.

From BBC

Homeowners are holding on to their homes for longer across the U.S., partly because many older people are still working or want to age in place.

From The Wall Street Journal

Horning said he didn’t go along partly because he didn’t trust how local leaders would spend his money.

From The Wall Street Journal

Khamenei’s rule partly depended on being a guarantor of national security.

From The Wall Street Journal

Analysts cited lower-than-expected gross and operating margins, partly due to an ERP transition, and a tax rate boost as investor concerns.

From Barron's

Related Words

• at least
• partially
• slightly
• somewhat