What is partly? Pronunciation and usage in English

partly means . Learn how to pronounce and use partly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of partly

partlyadverb

/ˈpɑːtli/
Definition & pronunciation of partly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "partly" in English. It can be a little tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: "Partly" has two syllables:

  • Part (like "part" as in "part of a cake")
  • ly (like "fly")

2. Pronunciation:

  • Part: Say "part" as you normally would. It's a short, crisp sound. Think of the word "part" in the phrase "part of the problem."

  • ly: This syllable is pronounced like the word "fly." It's a short "i" sound.

3. Putting it together:

Merge the two syllables smoothly. The stress is on the first syllable ("part"). It sounds something like:

pɑrt-li (The 'a' in 'part' makes a short 'a' sound, like in "cat")

Here's a helpful breakdown with phonetic symbols (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

  • /pɑrt/ (part)
  • /-li/ (ly)

Resources to hear it:

  • Google Search: Type "how to pronounce partly" into Google and you'll find audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/partly/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce partly" – there are many clear pronunciation guides.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "ly": It's a very short syllable.
  • Keep the first syllable strong: The emphasis is on "part."
  • Listen carefully to native speakers: Imitating their pronunciation is key.

Would you like me to:

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Usage and examples with the word partly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "partly" in English. It's a versatile word that expresses a degree of something, but not entirely. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Basic Meaning:

  • Partly: Meaning "to some extent" or "somewhat." It indicates that something is mixed with other things, or that a degree of something exists.

2. Grammatical Structure:

  • Adverb: "Partly" is almost always used as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

3. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Describing a Mixed State: This is the most frequent use.

    • “The cake was partly chocolate and partly vanilla.” (It's a combination of both)
    • “He was partly right, but mostly wrong.” (He got some things correct, but not all)
    • “The road was partly blocked by debris.” (Some of the road was obstructed)
    • “The solution was partly successful.” (It had some positive effects, but wasn't entirely successful)

  • Describing a Degree (often with adjectives): You can use “partly” to add a qualification to an adjective.

    • “It’s partly cloudy.” (It’s cloudy to some degree but not completely)
    • “He’s partly responsible.” (He contributed to the situation, but isn’t solely to blame.)
    • "The problem is partly due to lack of funding.” (Some of the problem stems from a lack of money)

  • With “agree” / “disagree”: To indicate a partial agreement or disagreement.

    • "I partly agree with your opinion.” (I agree to some extent, but not entirely)
    • "She partly disagreed with the proposal.” (She had reservations about the proposal)

  • With “understand”: To show a partial understanding.

    • “I partly understand the instructions.” (I grasp some of them, but not all.)

4. Important Considerations:

  • Contrast with "entirely" or "completely": “Partly” is the opposite of words like “entirely,” “completely,” “totally,” or “absolutely.” If you mean all of something, use those words.

  • “Part” vs. “Partly”: “Part” is a noun (a section or piece). “Partly” is an adverb describing how something is.

  • Double “Part”: Avoid using both "part" and "partly" in the same sentence unless you're deliberately doing so for a specific effect, which is rare. It can sound awkward.

5. Practice Examples:

  • “The investigation was partly closed due to lack of evidence.”
  • “She felt partly guilty and partly relieved.”
  • “The schedule is partly online and partly printed.”
  • "The success was partly attributed to his hard work."

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., writing, speaking)?
  • Help you differentiate "partly" from similar words (e.g., "somewhat," "a little")?

Synonyms for the word partly

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