mainly

adverb

main·​ly ˈmān-lē 

1

obsolete : in a forceful manner

2

: for the most part : chiefly

Synonyms of mainly

• mostly
• primarily
• chiefly
• largely
• predominantly
• principally
• basically
• generally

Examples of mainly in a Sentence

you mainly need to focus on improving your golf swing

Recent Examples on the Web

The workforce number is not based mainly on OSHA fines, legal settlements or workers’ compensation. — Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Luxury lines mainly cater to older adults and retirees, though younger adults in their late 30s and 40s can also find plenty of things to do on a luxury cruise. — Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 22 July 2026

Google saw a net gain of $98 billion, mainly as a result of gains on its equity investments — mostly in SpaceX, which went public in June. — ABC News, 22 July 2026

The edition, will run alongside the Venice Film Festival from September 2 to 12, with its activities based mainly in the Casa degli Autori and the Sala Laguna on the Venice Lido. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mainly

• plainly
• sanely
• vainly
• humanely
• insanely
• profanely
• ungainly