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Mostly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Mostly means something happens or is true more than half the time but not completely. It indicates a large part or majority, often leaving room for exceptions. Example: She mostly eats vegetables.

mostly

/ˈmoʊstli/ /ˈməʊstli/

Definition:

To a great extent; generally or usually.

Synonyms:

mainly, largely, predominantly, chiefly

Part of Speech:

adverb

Antonyms:

rarely, seldom

Common Collocations:

mostly sunny, mostly harmless, mostly silent, mostly true, mostly finished

Derivatives:

most, almost

Usage Tips:

Use "mostly" to indicate something happens more often than not but not always entirely.

Common Phrases:

for the most part, in the main, by and large

Etymology:

Derived from Old English "mǣst," meaning greatest in amount or degree.

Examples:

  • 1. The sky is mostly clear today.
  • 2. She mostly eats vegetables for lunch.
  • 3. The book was mostly about adventure.
  • 4. They are mostly friendly to newcomers.

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