“Partially” and “partly” are two adverbs that are often used interchangeably but have subtle differences in meaning. “Partially” typically refers to something done to a certain degree or extent, while “partly” implies that something is not complete or only a portion of the whole. Understanding these nuances will help you use these words accurately in various contexts.
Partially
Definition:
“Partially” means to a certain degree or extent, often implying that something is incomplete or limited.
Examples of use:
The company partially shut down for two weeks to save energy.
The road was partially blocked due to ongoing construction.
She was partially responsible for organizing the event, handling only the catering arrangements.
Partly
Definition:
“Partly” means not completely, indicating that something is only a portion of the whole.
Examples of use:
Doctors feel genetics can be partly to blame for mental illness.
The movie’s success was partly due to its innovative special effects.
The failure of the project was partly caused by poor communication among the team members.
“Partially” and “partly” are both used to describe something that is not complete, but “partially” often emphasizes the extent to which something is done, while “partly” indicates that something is only a portion of a whole. Being aware of these subtle differences will help you choose the correct word in your writing and conversations.
