Partially: meaning, definitions and examples

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partially

 

[ ˈpɑːʃəli ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

incomplete

To a certain extent; not wholly.

Synonyms

incompletely, partly, somewhat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
partially

Used when something is done or exists to some extent, but not completely. Often employed in formal or technical contexts.

  • The window was partially open
  • The project was only partially finished
incompletely

Used to indicate that something is not fully done or finished. Emphasizes the lack of completeness.

  • The report was submitted incompletely
  • The work on the building was incompletely done
partly

Commonly used in everyday language to express that something is true to some degree, but not entirely. Often used when discussing reasons or aspects of a situation.

  • I am partly responsible for the mistake
  • The decision was partly based on financial factors
somewhat

Used to indicate a small degree or slight extent. Often used when making a modest or moderate statement about something.

  • I am somewhat surprised by the news
  • The weather is somewhat improved today

Examples of usage

  • He is only partially responsible for the project's failure.
  • She was partially correct in her assumptions.
  • The research is only partially completed.
Context #2 | Adjective

not complete

Not complete or total; incomplete.

Synonyms

inadequate, incomplete, unfinished.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
partially

Use when describing something that is not completely done or achieved.

  • The project is partially finished.
  • The book was only partially read before the deadline.
incomplete

Use when something is not whole or finished, implying that there are parts missing.

  • The puzzle is incomplete, with several pieces missing.
  • The application was rejected because it was incomplete.
unfinished

Use to describe something that has not been completed or concluded.

  • The painting is still unfinished.
  • We left the project unfinished due to time constraints.
inadequate

Use to describe something that is not enough or insufficient in amount, quality, or degree. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The preparation for the exam was inadequate.
  • His explanation was inadequate and confusing.

Examples of usage

  • The painting is only partially finished.
  • The company has only partially implemented the new policy.
  • She was only partially satisfied with the service.

Translations

Translations of the word "partially" in other languages:

🇵🇹 parcialmente

🇮🇳 आंशिक रूप से

🇩🇪 teilweise

🇮🇩 sebagian

🇺🇦 частково

🇵🇱 częściowo

🇯🇵 部分的に

🇫🇷 partiellement

🇪🇸 parcialmente

🇹🇷 kısmen

🇰🇷 부분적으로

🇸🇦 جزئياً

🇨🇿 částečně

🇸🇰 čiastočne

🇨🇳 部分地

🇸🇮 delno

🇮🇸 að hluta til

🇰🇿 жартылай

🇬🇪 ნაწილობრივ

🇦🇿 qismən

🇲🇽 parcialmente

Etymology

The word 'partially' originated from the Latin word 'partialis', meaning 'pertaining to a part'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century, evolving to its current usage as an adverb and adjective describing something that is incomplete or not total.

See also: apart, counterpart, impart, multipart, part, partable, partial, participate, particle, particular, parting, partisan, partition, partitive, partly, partner, partook, parts, partway, party.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,205, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.