English Reference
Adverb

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.

Usage

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

What evidence suggests that school leavers motivated principally by reduced university fees would remain in demanding social care roles for a full year?

The Guardian· 4 Sept 2026

The evidence we have suggests Roman soldiers were paid principally in coins, especially silver coins.

Phys.org· 3 Sept 2026

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English principaly
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated