mostly

American  

[mohst-lee] / ˈmoʊst li /

adverb

1. for the most most much part; in the main.

   The work is mostly done.

2. chiefly; principally.

3. generally; customarily.

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mostly British  

/ ˈməʊstlɪ /

adverb

1. almost entirely; chiefly

2. on many or most occasions; usually

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Etymology

Origin of mostly

First recorded in 1585–95; most + -ly

Example Sentences

The stock market overcame a steep early slide to mostly finish higher.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

By the 1970s, elevator operators had largely vanished, lingering mostly in luxury hotels where their old-world charm and sense of ceremony still held appeal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Economists consider gasoline to be inelastic, meaning that consumption remains mostly steady regardless of prices.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

It features a long, rounded head and mandibles that are mostly hidden from view.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

He’d seen lots of people on bicycles—they lived near a college and the students mostly rode bikes to class—and he’d seen other cars, and some people on foot.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold

Related Words

• chiefly
• essentially
• frequently
• largely
• often
• particularly
• predominantly
• principally
• regularly
• usually