ENGLISH
REFERENCE

partly

adv. degree
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈpɑɹtɫi// UK //pˈɑːtli// part·ly General-service

adv. to some degree, but not completely. You use this when you want to say that something is only a small piece of the whole story.

adv. to a limited extent or degree; in part. Often used to introduce one of several contributing factors or reasons.


SIMPLE

The roof is partly made of glass.

CONTEXTUAL

The project failed partly because of poor planning and partly due to a lack of funding.

COMPLEX

The success of the urban renewal initiative can be attributed partly to increased private investment and partly to the grassroots efforts of local community leaders.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From part + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective or verb it modifies, or used in the construction 'partly... partly...' to list multiple causes.

Pitfall

The house is part made of woodThe house is partly made of woodLearners often use the noun or adjective 'part' instead of the adverb 'partly' to modify a verb or adjective.

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