Home / Dictionary / Mostly

Mostly Moderate

Mostly has 3 different meanings across 1 category:

Adverb

Definitions
Adverb
1

in large part; mainly or chiefly

"These accounts are largely inactive"

2

usually; as a rule

"by and large it doesn't rain much here"

3

Mainly or chiefly; for the most part; usually, generally, on the whole.

"The new policy applies to all employees mostly, though there are a few exceptions for temporary staff."

In plain English: Mostly means that something happens most of the time but not always.

"Mostly everyone enjoyed the party last night."

Usage: Use mostly to indicate that something happens in the majority of cases but not always, distinguishing it from words like mainly which imply a stronger sense of exclusivity. Place mostly before the verb or adjective it modifies to show general prevalence without absolute certainty.

Example Sentences
"Mostly everyone enjoyed the party last night." adv
"Mostly everyone arrived on time for the meeting." adv
"The weather is mostly clear today with only light clouds." adv
"I am mostly finished with my homework but need to check one last problem." adv
Related Terms

Origin

Mostly is formed by adding the suffix -ly to most. This construction simply means "for the greater part."

Rhyming Words
hotly antly nutly aptly fatly wetly fitly catly artly costly wistly daftly softly raptly fastly deftly meetly nettly tectly shitly
Compare
Mostly vs