partly

adverb

part·​ly ˈpärt-lē How to pronounce partly (audio)
Synonyms of partlynext
: in some measure or degree : partially

Synonyms of partly

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Examples of partly in a Sentence

The project failed partly because of a lack of funds. What you say is only partly true.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The artist partly based the composition on his own study via a telescope from the opposite shore and partly on postcard views, Christie’s points out. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Women have directed animation in Japan since the 1980s, Fujitsu notes, but their ranks began to swell in the 2000s, partly because more women joined production teams throughout the business. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Oct. 2026 That’s partly why the Hurricanes don’t want to talk a big game. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026 Landlords who live in one of their properties would be partly exempt from the caps on rent increases, and new apartments would be exempt for up to 20 years. — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for partly

Word History

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of partly was in 1523

Rhymes for partly

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Browse Nearby Words

partlet
partly
part music
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Cite this Entry

“Partly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/partly. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

partly

adverb
part·​ly ˈpärt-lē How to pronounce partly (audio)
: in some measure or degree : not completely
a statement that is only partly true
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