English Reference
Adverb

partially

adv. degree
C1 Advanced Oxford US /ˈpɑɹʃəɫi/ UK /pˈɑːʃəlˌi/ par·tial·ly

adv.only in part, rather than completely. You use this when something is finished or true to some degree, but not 100%.

adv.to a limited degree or extent; not wholly. Often used to qualify adjectives or verbs where a binary state is not applicable.


SIMPLE

The building was only partially finished when we moved in.

CONTEXTUAL

The road is partially blocked by fallen trees, so drivers should expect significant delays during their morning commute.

COMPLEX

The researchers concluded that the experiment was only partially successful, as the chemical reaction occurred under controlled laboratory conditions but failed to replicate in a natural environment.

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective or past participle it modifies.

Pitfall
The work is partial done.The work is partially done.

Learners often use the adjective 'partial' instead of the adverb 'partially' to modify a verb or another adjective.

Usage partially account · partially support

A flight attendant responding to calls for help found a 61-year-old passenger in seat 11F partially lodged in the missing window opening.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

Paks, which usually provides about a third of Hungary’s electricity, has been partially shut down since late last month.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Common in science writing


From partial + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated