main idea

[meyn ahy-dee-uh]

noun

1. the most important or central thought of a paragraph or larger section of text, which tells the reader what the text is about.

   Find the main idea in each paragraph.

Word History and Origins

Origin of main idea¹

First recorded in 1855–65

Example Sentences

According to the British Council, which offers English language courses, learners who achieve B2 level can "understand the main ideas of complex texts on concrete or abstract topics."

Read more on BBC

For expediency’s sake, Witkoff narrowed the 21 points down to about 10 main ideas without delving too deeply into specifics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The main idea stands in that it’s where I can go for just me; but I don’t take baths anymore, I don’t have time.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The party's main idea for adult social care in England is to set up a royal commission within the first 100 days of a new government.

Read more on BBC

The main idea is that there is a new kind of computing that isn’t here yet, but it’s coming.

Read more on NewsForKids.net

Related Words

• aspect 
• basis 
• bottom line 
• character 
• core 
• crux 
• element 
• lifeblood 
• meaning 
• nature 
• principle 
• quality 
• reality 
• root 
• soul 
• spirit 
• structure 
• substance