# chiefly

/ˈtʃifɫi/ (US) · /tʃˈiːfli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chiefly
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. mostly or mainly

adverb · CEFR B2 · Formal

mostly or mainly; you use this to point out the most important part of a group or reason.

For teachers: principally or primarily; used to identify the most significant element or cause in a given context.

- The magazine is written chiefly for people who love gardening.
- The decline in the local bird population is chiefly attributed to the loss of natural wetlands due to urban expansion.

Usage: Usually placed before the phrase it modifies or after the verb 'to be'.

Teaching tip: This is a more formal alternative to 'mainly'. In casual conversation, most speakers prefer 'mostly' or 'mainly'.

## Examples

- The team is chiefly made up of students.
- The report focuses chiefly on the economic impact of the new policy.
- The region's economy is chiefly dependent on tourism, though small-scale agriculture provides a vital safety net during off-season months.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.