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 Iberseries & Platino Industria confab in Madrid has launched the Euro-Atlantic Series Co-Pro Pitch Program, which assembles a cross-section of mainly European TV projects that seek to advance their development. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

Unlike conventional site-selection methods that mainly assess technical factors, the new approach also considers zoning rules, historical sites, architectural value, local economic priorities, and community preferences. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

In general, Ponant mainly attracts Americans and Europeans (the ship’s main tongue is both English and French) but their special, rare North Pole offerings seem to cast a wider net. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

The white plumes of gas are thought to mainly contain water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, while ash and debris make up the brown clouds surrounding the plumes. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 9 Sep. 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