# principally

/ˈpɹɪnsɪpɫi/ (US) · /pɹˈɪnsɪpəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/principally
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- The book is principally about the history of jazz.
- The new law is principally concerned with protecting the privacy of online shoppers.
- 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 notes

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

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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.