Definition

Adverb: 1. To the greatest extent; for the most part; mainly: Used to indicate that something is true or happens most of the time or in most cases, but not always. 2. Usually; generally: Used to describe what is typical or common.

Usage and Examples

The adverb "mostly" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a predominant condition or frequency.

• Modifying a verb:

  • The audience was mostly teenagers. (The largest part of the audience consisted of teenagers.)
  • I mostly agree with your assessment. (I agree with the largest part of your assessment.)
  • The work is mostly done. (The largest part of the work is finished.)

• Modifying an adjective:

  • The sky was mostly clear. (For the largest part of the time or area, the sky was clear.)
  • He is mostly reliable. (He is reliable in most situations.)

• Modifying an adverb:

  • She arrives mostly on time. (She arrives on time in most instances.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Mostly" vs. "Almost": "Mostly" refers to a large proportion or a majority ("The bag is mostly full"). "Almost" refers to being very near to a state or condition but not completely reaching it ("The bag is almost full").
• Implied Exception: Using "mostly" often implies there are exceptions or a remaining smaller part that is different.
  • The team is mostly experienced players. (This suggests there are also some inexperienced players.)

Variants and Related Words

• Most (determiner, pronoun, adverb): The superlative form of 'much' or 'many'. Used to form "mostly".
• Largely (adverb): To a great extent; mostly. Often used interchangeably with "mostly" in many contexts (e.g., ).
• Mainly (adverb): More than anything else; for the most part. A close synonym (e.g., ).
• Primarily (adverb): For the most part; chiefly. Slightly more formal than "mostly" (e.g., ).
• Generally (adverb): In most cases; usually. Focuses more on typicality than proportion (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Chiefly
• Predominantly
• Principally
• Usually
• Typically
• On the whole

Antonyms

• Rarely
• Seldom
• Occasionally
• Partly (in the sense of proportion)

Common Collocations and Phrases

• Mostly harmless: Used to describe something that is not very dangerous.
  • The spider looked scary but was mostly harmless.
• Mostly true: Partially or generally correct, but with some inaccuracies.
  • The rumor was mostly true, but a few details were wrong.
• Consists mostly of: To be made up mainly of a particular thing.
  • The diet consists mostly of fruits and vegetables.

Adverb

1. usually; as a rule
   • by and large it doesn't rain much here
2. in large part; mainly or chiefly
   • These accounts are largely inactive