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partial

When using "partial" to mean biased, it is often used in negative contexts or contrasted with the word "impartial." When expressing a liking for something, the phrase "be partial to" is common and slightly more formal than saying "I like." Be careful not to confuse "partial" (incomplete) with "partly" (somewhat). For example, you would say "a partial success" but "it is partly my fault."

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Leo is texting Ryan while hiding in the school library.
Leo

u still down for that raid? i'm partial to the frost build this time.

Leo
Ryan
Ryan

bet. just gotta wait for my pc to reboot.

💡
Leo uses 'partial to' as a natural way to express his preference for a specific gaming strategy (the frost build). Ryan responds with 'bet', a common slang term meaning 'agreed' or 'for sure', reflecting their casual gaming relationship.

Meanings

adjective

Existing only in part; incomplete.

"The company announced a partial recovery of the lost funds."

adjective

Favoring one side in a dispute above the other; biased.

"A judge must remain impartial and not be partial to any party in the courtroom."

adjective

Having a liking for something.

"She has always been partial to a glass of red wine with dinner."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error