In a biased way, favoring one person, side, or interest instead of treating all sides fairly.
Examples
The magistrate was accused of judging partially.
The pamphlet claimed the council had acted partially for its allies.
A fair ruler must not govern partially.
The steward dealt partially with tenants who opposed him.
The old charge said the witnesses had testified partially.
He feared the arbitrator had listened partially to one side.
Similar words
biasedly
unfairly
prejudicially
subjectively
partisanly
one-sidedly
with partiality
Etymology
From partial plus the adverbial suffix -ly. Partial came through Old French and Medieval Latin from Latin pars, meaning a part or share.
FAQ
What does partially mean?
Partially usually means to some extent, but not completely.
How is partially pronounced?
Partially is pronounced /ˈpɑːrʃəli/.
Is partially an adverb?
Yes. Partially is an adverb formed from the adjective partial.
What is the difference between partially and partly?
Both can mean to some extent. Partly is often more natural before reasons, as in partly because, while partially is common before adjectives and verbs.
Can partially mean biasedly?
Yes, but that sense is archaic. Modern writing usually says with partiality, unfairly, or biasedly.
What is the opposite of partially?
Common opposites are completely, fully, entirely, wholly, and totally.
Where does partially come from?
It comes from partial plus -ly, with partial ultimately tied to Latin pars, meaning a part or share.
Comments & contributions
Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.