Definitions

partly

[pahrt-lee] / ˈpɑrt li /

ADVERB

not completely

Synonyms

STRONGEST

at least partially slightly somewhat

WEAK

at best at most at worst bit by bit by degrees carelessly halfway in a general way in bits and pieces in part in some measure in some ways inadequately incompletely insufficiently little by little measurably not entirely not fully not strictly speaking not wholly notably noticeably piece by piece piecemeal relatively so far as possible to a certain degree to a certain extent up to a certain point within limits

Antonyms

WEAK

completely totally wholly

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.

This time around, council members put more money into the city’s reserves, partly in an attempt to secure better borrowing terms for the upgrade of the Convention Center.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

This partly explains the volatility of the Korean market that has now recorded nine separate days of more than 5% gains in 2026 alone.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

Last month, the county and university researchers sent a van through neighborhoods to measure pollutants, partly in response to residents’ concerns.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

The health agency said "widening gaps in testing and prevention" were partly behind the surge in transmission, and called for urgent action.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Cat’s face warmed, partly for herself and partly for John Harvey.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn

partly

Example Sentences

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