mostly

UK: ˈməʊstli | US: ˈmoʊstli

Definition

  1. adv. to the greatest extent; chiefly or primarily

  2. adv. generally; in most cases

Structure
most <greatest>ly <adverbial suffix>
Etymology

The word "mostly" combines "most," derived from Old English mǣst (meaning "greatest" or "largest"), with the adverbial suffix "-ly," from Old English -līce. The suffix "-ly" was originally used to form adjectives but later evolved to create adverbs. Together, "mostly" literally means "in the greatest manner" or "chiefly," reflecting its modern usage to indicate predominance or generality.

Examples

  1. The audience was mostly teenagers.

  2. She mostly works from home these days.

  3. The dish is mostly made of vegetables.

  4. His arguments were mostly correct.

  5. The weather here is mostly sunny in summer.