partly

[ pahrt-lee ]

adverb

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

   His statement is partly true.

partly

/ ˈpɑːtlɪ /

adverb

1. to some extent; not completely

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of partly¹

First recorded in 1515–25; part + -ly

Example Sentences

This is partly because developed countries are hunting for ways to meet energy demand, while striving to meet emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement.

From BBC

Many researchers say the atmosphere on Bluesky so far is less polarized than on X, partly because there is more content moderation and the user base is, for now, much smaller and more homogenous.

From Science Magazine

Mr Acutis gained his nickname partly by designing websites for his parish and school, but he mainly became known for launching a website seeking to document every reported Eucharistic miracle.

From BBC

Most interestingly, human listeners perceived the sound of the Aztec death whistle to be partly of natural and organic origin, like a human voice or scream.

From Science Daily

That’s partly what drew him to holiday movies like “The Merry Gentlemen” and Hallmark’s “Write Before Christmas,” “Love in Winterland” and “Road to Christmas.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• at least
• partially
• slightly
• somewhat