mostly
[adverb]
Synonyms: generally, as a rule, chiefly, largely, mainly, on the whole, predominantly, primarily, principally, usually

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Related Idioms: for the most part

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

most‧ly S2 W3 /ˈməʊstli $ ˈmoʊst-/ adverb
used to talk about most members of a group, most occasions, most parts of something etc Synonym : mainly:
Green teas are mostly from China or Japan.
There were about fifteen people in the lounge, mostly women.
He blamed his parents. Mostly he blamed his dad.

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In written English, people often prefer to use generally or for the most part rather than mostly, because they sound more formal:
Many tourists visit the region, generally for skiing.
The inhabitants of the village are for the most part elderly.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

mostly
adverb
BAD: We see each other mostly every day.
GOOD: We see each other almost every day.
BAD: Mostly every family has a television.
GOOD: Nearly every family has a television.

Usage Note:
Use almost/nearly with all/every/everyone etc (NOT mostly ): 'Almost everyone in the office has had a cold recently.'
Compare: 'The students here are mostly Swiss or German.' (= most of the students here ... )

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲