Word
predominantly
Phoneticspre·dom·i·nant·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌpɹɪˈdɑmənəntˌɫi/
UK/pɹɪdˈɒmɪnəntli/
Adverb of degree
Definition
adv. mostly or mainly. You use this to say that one thing is more common or important than everything else in a group.
adv. for the most part; mainly or mostly. Used to indicate that a specific quality or group constitutes the majority of a whole.
Examples
“The audience is predominantly young people.”
“The local economy is predominantly based on tourism, though some small farms still operate in the hills.”
“While the city is becoming more diverse, the northern districts remain predominantly residential, consisting of single-family homes built during the mid-century expansion.”
Examples
simple
“The audience is predominantly young people.”
contextual
“The local economy is predominantly based on tourism, though some small farms still operate in the hills.”
complex
“While the city is becoming more diverse, the northern districts remain predominantly residential, consisting of single-family homes built during the mid-century expansion.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “predominantly” in context.
Verb
01. predominantly consist of volunteers
“The local fire department predominantly consists of volunteers from the community.”
adv + verb + prep + noun
02. predominantly feature local artists
“The gallery's new exhibition will predominantly feature local artists.”
adv + verb + noun
03. predominantly rely on exports
“The country's economy predominantly relies on exports of crude oil.”
adv + verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. predominantly female workforce
“The nursing profession has historically been a predominantly female workforce.”
adv + adj + noun
05. predominantly rural area
“Public transport is often limited in this predominantly rural area.”
adv + adj + noun
06. predominantly white population
“The census revealed that the town still has a predominantly white population.”
adv + adj + noun
Usage
Typically placed before the adjective or noun phrase it modifies, or after the verb 'to be'.
Pitfall
The predominantly of students are local.
The majority of students are local.
Learners sometimes confuse the adverb 'predominantly' with the noun 'majority' or 'predominance'.
Real-World Examples
“Despite those limitations, researchers say the increase in cases involving predominantly young people is particularly concerning because younger generations tend to have greater digital literacy.” “Guidelbertus Tanga, rector of the seminary, which is known locally as Ritapiret Seminary on the predominantly Catholic island of Flores.” Etymology
From predominant + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/predominantly