mainly

adverb

main·​ly ˈmān-lē 

1

obsolete : in a forceful manner

2

: for the most part : chiefly

Synonyms

• altogether
• basically
• by and large
• chiefly
• generally
• largely
• mostly
• overall
• predominantly
• primarily
• principally
• substantially

Examples of mainly in a Sentence

you mainly need to focus on improving your golf swing

Recent Examples on the Web

The White Uno Gang was a criminal organization made up mainly of police officers with ties to the far right that was active during the 1980’s and the 1990’s. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024

Original Sin takes place mainly in the 1990s with Dexter the burgeoning serial killer, who takes on a forensics internship at his father’s homicide department, Miami Metro, under the watch of department head Tanya Martin (Gellar) and Captain Aaron Spencer (Dempsey). —Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024

From 2011 to 2019, incidence of colon cancer fell by about 1% annually, mainly among older adults. —Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

As a consequence, its pieces have so far been mainly available on its e-commerce, given its artisanal, handmade production. —Sandra Salibian, WWD, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1