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REFERENCE

principally

adv. degree
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɹɪnsɪpɫi// UK //pɹˈɪnsɪpəli// prin·ci·pal·ly

adv. mostly or mainly. You use this to talk about the most important reason or part of something.

adv. for the most part; chiefly or mainly. Used to identify the primary factor or component in a situation.


SIMPLE

The book is principally about the history of jazz.

CONTEXTUAL

The new law is principally concerned with protecting the privacy of online shoppers.

COMPLEX

The decline in the local population was principally attributed to the closure of the steel mill, which had been the town's primary employer for decades.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English principaly. By surface analysis, principal + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective or prepositional phrase it modifies, or between the auxiliary and main verb.

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