Mostly Meaning
Mostly Definition & Usage
To a great degree or extent, but not entirely; primarily.
Examples
- "She is mostly happy with her new job, though there are a few aspects she would like to change."
- "The meal was mostly delicious, but the soup was a bit too salty."
- "I mostly agree with the proposal, but I have a few reservations."
- "The weather is mostly sunny, with some occasional clouds in the afternoon."
- "He spends most of his time in the library, mostly reading history books."
Cultural Context
The word 'mostly' has been used since the late Middle Ages and is often employed to convey that something holds true in the majority of cases, but there is some leeway for exceptions. In modern usage, it helps soften the meaning and prevent absolutes, often making statements more relatable and flexible.
The Beach Day That Was Mostly Perfect
Story
The Beach Day That Was Mostly Perfect
It was a sunny Saturday afternoon when Carla and her friends decided to spend the day at the beach. The sky was mostly clear, with just a few clouds scattered across the horizon. As they laid out their towels and settled in, Carla noticed that while most of the group was enjoying the sun, Sarah was already seeking shade under an umbrella. ‘You’re going to miss out on the tan,’ Carla teased, but Sarah just smiled and said, ‘I’m mostly here for the ocean breeze, anyway.’ The group spent the next few hours swimming, playing volleyball, and enjoying ice creams from the beachside vendor. The waves were mostly calm, making it the perfect day to relax by the shore. Carla, however, couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. The weather was mostly perfect, but she realized she hadn’t seen any dolphins, which she’d hoped for. As the sun began to set, casting an orange glow over the water, Carla leaned back on her towel and reflected on the day. 'It was mostly fun, right?' she said, turning to her friend Lily. Lily nodded. ‘Definitely, though I could’ve done without the jellyfish sting.' Carla laughed, 'Mostly good, then.' The day at the beach had been mostly perfect—until the very end when a surprise storm rolled in, but that didn’t stop them from making the most of the time they had left. The experience was a reminder of how 'mostly' captures the essence of life: good, but with a few imperfections. And sometimes, that’s what makes it all the more memorable.'
Related Words
