mainly

[ meyn-lee ]
/ ˈmeɪn li /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR mainly ON THESAURUS.COM

adverb

chiefly; principally; for the most part; in the main; to the greatest extent: Our success was due mainly to your efforts. The audience consisted mainly of students.
Obsolete. greatly; mightily; abundantly.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of mainly

First recorded in 1225–75, mainly is from the Middle English word maynliche, maynly. See main1, -ly

Words nearby mainly

mainland, mainland china, mainlander, mainline, mainliner, mainly, mainmast, mainour, mains, mainsail, mainsheet
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to mainly

principally, chiefly, primarily, essentially, generally, largely, mostly, overall, substantially, usually, predominantly

Example sentences from the Web for mainly

British Dictionary definitions for mainly

mainly
/ (ˈmeɪnlɪ) /

adverb

for the most part; to the greatest extent; principally
obsolete strongly; very much
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012