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

Nearly two-thirds of the existing and planned data centers there will face high climate risks by 2050, mainly from coastal flooding, according to XDI’s 2025 study. — Mark Gongloff, Mercury News, 24 June 2026

Plus, most tests sequence which bacteria are present but skip the chemical activity that explains how your gut actually functions, and a stool sample mainly reflects the colon rather than the small intestine where a lot happens. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026

Some houses have plumbing lines that run through the ceiling—mainly to minimize tear-down during plumbing disasters. — Helen Andriatsitohaina, The Spruce, 24 June 2026

There is another 20% chance for isolated storms developing mainly across Northeast Texas on Wednesday; otherwise, expect hot and humid conditions with a mix of clouds and sunshine. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 24 June 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