Reading Theme:
Mostly: Definition, Usage, and Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：mainly (mostly)
mostly
/ˈmoʊstli/
adv.
It means something is true most of the time but not all the time.
mainly
➕
/ˈmeɪnli/
adv.
It indicates that something is true in the majority of cases, though not necessarily always.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Root 'most' (greatest number) + suffix '-ly' (forms adverb).
💡 Mnemonic
Most + ly = mostly. Most of the time, it's 'mostly' true.
📖 Example
My new baking recipe is great; the cookies turned out perfectly, mostly because I followed the instructions carefully.
My new baking recipe is great; the cookies turned out perfectly, mainly because I followed the instructions carefully.
🔗 Collocations
mostly true – true in most cases
mostly satisfied – satisfied to a large extent
mostly correct – correct in the majority of aspects
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
rarely (adv.) – not often; seldom
seldom (adv.) – not often; rarely
hardly ever (adv.) – almost never
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Middle English 'mostliche', combining 'most' (from Old English 'mǣst') and '-ly'. Used since the 14th century to mean 'for the most part'.
Meaning 2：largely (mostly)
mostly
/ˈmoʊstli/
adv.
It means being the largest part of something.
largely
➕
/ˈlɑːrdʒli/
adv.
It indicates that something constitutes the largest part or majority of a whole.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
A healthy school lunch should be mostly vegetables, with some protein and grains.
A healthy school lunch should be largely vegetables, with some protein and grains.
🔗 Collocations
mostly vegetables – mainly composed of vegetables
mostly completed – almost finished
mostly online – primarily conducted via the internet
🔄 Synonyms
primarily (adv.) – for the most part; mainly
largely (adv.) – to a great extent; mostly
predominantly (adv.) – mainly; for the most part
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