ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mainly

adv.
US //ˈmeɪnɫi// UK //mˈeɪnli// main·ly
  1. 1 mostly or chiefly (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    mostly; used to talk about the most important part of something or the most common situation.

    principally or for the most part; used to identify the primary factor, reason, or constituent in a set.

    Example

    The crowd at the music festival was mainly made up of teenagers.

    Example

    The local economy relies mainly on seasonal tourism, which leaves many residents seeking alternative employment during the winter months.
  2. 2 forcefully (adv.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    with great strength or power.

    with great force, vigour, or intensity.

    Example

    The knights fought mainly against the invaders to protect their land.

    Example

    In the ancient chronicles, the hero is described as striking mainly at his foes until the shield itself shattered under the pressure.

    Usage

    In modern English, this sense has been entirely replaced by 'forcefully' or 'vigorously'.
Origin

From Middle English maynly; equivalent to main + -ly.

Word family

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