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

Scientists say climate change, caused mainly by burning oil, coal and gas, is making the Mediterranean Sea hotter, bringing hundreds of new and invasive fish species that decimate indigenous populations. — ABC News, 30 July 2026

The human responses suggested that mainly positive memories are linked to the phenomenon. — Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 29 July 2026

The review found zinc mainly helps normalize testosterone when a deficiency is present. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2026

There was this idea, obviously mainly from white people, but also from a section of the Black community, that the film was just too extreme, violent, and nihilistic. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 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