chiefly

American  

[cheef-lee] / ˈtʃif li /

adverb

1. primarily; essentially.

   He phoned chiefly to let us know he was feeling better.

2. mainly; mostly.

   This dish consists chiefly of noodles.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or like a chief.

   his chiefly responsibilities.

chiefly British  

/ ˈtʃiːflɪ /

adverb

1. especially or essentially; above all

2. in general; mainly; mostly

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adjective

1. of or relating to a chief or chieftain

Related Words

See especially.

Etymology

Origin of chiefly

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; chief, -ly

Example Sentences

But its treatment in general showed "there are still areas where the #MeToo movement has not yet breached the sound barrier, chiefly in men's football," she added.

From Barron's

This seems like a debate which might chiefly benefit other, more anti-establishment movements.

From BBC

That Epstein’s crimes were confined to himself and a few enablers, chiefly Ghislaine Maxwell, was intolerable to influencers and politicos determined to attribute all bad things to the dark workings of cabals.

From The Wall Street Journal

Haigh and team explain that the precious metals rally was chiefly propelled by inflows from exchange-traded funds and that influence has been exaggerated of late.

From MarketWatch

Separately, federal law prohibits non-career full-time employees—chiefly political appointees—from working for outside parties.

From Barron's

Related Words

• especially
• essentially
• largely
• mostly
• predominantly
• principally