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Synonyms

main idea

American  
[meyn ahy-dee-uh] / ˈmeɪn aɪˈdi ə /

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.


Etymology

Origin of main idea

First recorded in 1855–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From NewsForKids.net • May 29, 2024

Companies who routinely violate the law could face fines, Haney said, but the main idea is to let employees know what to expect from their work.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2024

“Kasselakis is a prime example of this trend, the main idea being that the adoption of sheer imagery — not just gay, but also young and energetic — will do the trick,” Mr. Seferiades added.

From New York Times • Nov. 10, 2023

“The main idea was to try and switch that, to change the priority and actually help them have funding so they can plan for the next 10 years, 15 years, 20 years,” Imirizaldu said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 19, 2023

But I agree with the main idea behind the nostalgia: literate people should know how to think about grammar.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker