Words / A2

PAHTL-ee/ˈpɑːtli/

Partly means not completely: partly cloudy, partly true, partly because. Partially is a close synonym, a little more formal. Completely and fully are opposites. Part is the noun. Party is a celebration — different word. Do not write partly when you mean party, or portly.

Meaning

To some degree, but not completely.

Examples

• “The delay was partly caused by the weather.”
• “The museum is partly closed for repairs.”
• “I was late partly because of the bus, and partly because I got lost.”

Good to know

partly cloudy / partly because. Synonym: partially. Opposite: completely. Mix-up: party.

Near in meaning

partially

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