WordGarden.iopartially
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɑːʃəlˌi/
US
- /ˈpɑrʃəli/
Meanings
Adverb
in part; not completely
Beyond the definition
Imagine building with LEGOs. If you partially finish your castle, it means you've made progress—maybe the walls are up, but the towers aren't yet built. It doesn't mean the project is "almost finished," just that only some of it is done.
"Partially" describes something that is not complete or is true only in part. A glass might be partially full, meaning it has some water in it but is not filled to the top. An answer can be partially correct, meaning some of it is right but not all of it. You might partially agree with someone, meaning you see their point but do not fully share their view. It shows that something is true to a certain degree, not fully.
The word "partially" indicates that something exists or is true only to a certain degree, or in some part, rather than completely. It implies incompleteness or limitation. Think of it as falling somewhere on the spectrum between "fully" and "not at all."
For example, if a road is partially blocked, it means traffic can still get through, but with difficulty. If a door is partially open, it is open a little, but not all the way. A solution that is partially effective helps with the problem but does not solve it entirely.
"Partially" isn't just about physical things; it can also describe abstract concepts like understanding or agreement. You might say you partially understand a complex topic if you grasp some of the ideas but not all of them. Or you might partially agree with someone's opinion, meaning you share some of their views but have reservations about others.
It's important to note that "partially" doesn't necessarily imply failure or negativity. It simply acknowledges a lack of completeness. Sometimes, a partial solution is better than no solution at all!
So, when something isn't whole, complete, or total—but exists in some measure—you can describe it as being partially done or true. It highlights the presence of both completion and incompleteness, suggesting a state that is somewhere in between.
Examples
- 1
Window position
The window was partially open, so we could hear the rain outside.
- 2
Appearance
Her face was partially hidden by a scarf.
- 3
Funding
The project was partially funded by the city.
- 4
Agreement
I partially agree with you, but I still have some doubts.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Shared cause
The delay was partially caused by bad weather.
- Patternpartially caused by + cause
one cause among others
- 6
Responsibility
He is partially responsible for the mistake.
- Patternpartially responsible for + problem
sharing responsibility, not being the only person or reason responsible
See also
Similar
- partly
- in part
- to some extent
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- partially completed
- partially funded
- partially covered
- partially responsible
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- partiallyadverb