MOHST-lee
/ˈmoʊstli/
mostly is pronounced MOHST-lee (/ˈmoʊstli/). Mostly refers to the extent or predominance of something, typically meaning ‘in most cases’ or ‘to a great extent.’ It functions as an adverb, often modifying verbs, adjectives, or clauses, and it can subtly signal approximation. In speech, it’s common to stress the first syllable, shaping a clear but casual tone. Overall, it conveys probability or majority, rather than absolute certainty.
Mostly refers to the extent or predominance of something, typically meaning ‘in most cases’ or ‘to a great extent.’ It functions as an adverb, often modifying verbs, adjectives, or clauses, and it can subtly signal approximation. In speech, it’s common to stress the first syllable, shaping a clear but casual tone. Overall, it conveys probability or majority, rather than absolute certainty.
"- I’ll mostly be free this afternoon, but I might drop by later."
"- The team mostly agreed on the plan, with a few reservations."
"- It’s mostly about timing; the idea isn’t complicated."
Pronounced /ˈmoʊst.li/ in US English, with primary stress on the first syllable. The first syllable rhymes with 'most' and contains a long O; the second syllable is a light, unstressed -ly, typically a quick, almost schwa-like /lɪ/ or /li/. In UK, it’s /ˈməʊst.li/ with a similar first-syllable stress but a slightly rounded and shorter first vowel. In Australian English, expect /ˈmoːst.li/ with a longer first vowel and very light second syllable. Practice by saying ‘MOSt’ + ‘lee’, ensuring the t is released and the l is clear but not over-articulated.
Common errors include reducing the first syllable to a short /ɪ/ or /ə/ (e.g., ‘mist-lee’) and overemphasizing the second syllable as a separate vowel, making it sound like ‘MOSt-EE.’ Another is t-voicing interference so the final -ly is elongated. Correction: keep the primary stress on MOSt, use a clear long /oʊ/ in the first syllable, and glide quickly into a light /li/ (not /liː/). Ensure you release the /t/ crisply before the /l/ and avoid inserting extra vowels after /l/.
US: /ˈmoʊstli/ with a distinct /oʊ/ and a quick, light /li/. UK: /ˈməʊstli/ with a centralized or rounded /əʊ/ and a similarly light -ly. AU: /ˈmoːstli/ often with a longer /oː/ and less rhoticity influence; the final -ly remains light. Differences come from vowel quality (diphthong vs monophthong), rhoticity, and vowel length. The placement of primary stress stays on the first syllable in all three, but vowel onset and duration shift subtly, affecting perceived brightness and tempo.
The challenge lies in balancing a clear, long first vowel (especially /oʊ/) with a light, clipped second syllable. The t-release must be crisp yet not create an abrupt break before the /l/. In rapid speech, the 'st' cluster can blur into a single sound, and the -ly suffix often reduces to a schwa-like vowel. Focus on maintaining a strong MOSt sound while letting the /li/ hang lightly. IPA cues help: /ˈmoʊstli/ in US, /ˈməʊstli/ in UK, and /ˈmoːstli/ in AU.
Unlike many adverbs with -ly endings, mostly preserves a strong, initial syllable with a vowel that drives the meaning ('most'). The second syllable is light and quick, not fully stressed, creating a characteristic strong-weak pattern. This combination of a stressed high vowel followed by a reduced syllable is a signature rhythm in everyday English speech and is a frequent target for pronunciation training to improve intelligibility in rapid conversation.
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Mostly comes from Middle English most, modified by the adverbial suffix -ly to form mostly, indicating to the greatest extent or in most respects. The etymology aligns with Old English maest, which relates to “most” in sense of greatest quantity or degree, and the later adverbial formation -ly, mirroring other English adverbs such as quickly and softly. The concept of majority or predominance preserved in usage has remained stable since the medieval period, with the modern sense coalescing around “in most cases” or “to a great extent.” The word’s semantic shift toward hedged or approximate meaning mirrors broader shifts in English where adverbs of degree refine modality and frequency. First known use in printed English appears in Middle English texts as a derivational form from most, signifying relative extent rather than absolute certainty, with its current common usage solidifying during the early modern period as written prose increasingly embraced nuance and probability in everyday speech.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "mostly" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "mostly"
-tly sounds
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