# partly

/ˈpɑɹtɫi/ (US) · /pˈɑːtli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/partly
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

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

## Examples

- The roof is partly made of glass.
- The project failed partly because of poor planning and partly due to a lack of funding.
- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The house is part made of wood" but "The house is partly made of wood" — Learners often use the noun or adjective 'part' instead of the adverb 'partly' to modify a verb or adjective.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.