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chiefly

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adverb chief·ly \ˈchē-flē\

Definition of chiefly

  1. 1 :  most importantly :  principally, especially

  2. 2 :  for the most part :  mostly, mainly

See chiefly defined for English-language learners

See chiefly defined for kids

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Examples of chiefly in a Sentence

  1. our video collection consists chiefly of comedies, but we have a few horror movies

First Known Use of chiefly

14th century

chiefly Synonyms

Synonyms
altogether, basically, by and large, generally, largely, mainly, mostly, overall, predominantly, primarily, principally, substantially, in general, on the whole
Related Words
about, more or less, most, much, near, nearly, next to, nigh, practically, some, virtually, well-nigh; approximately, broadly, plus or minus, roughly; commonly, frequently, generally, normally, ordinarily, typically, usually; incompletely, partially, partly, rather, somewhat
Near Antonyms
completely, entirely, fully, perfectly, thoroughly, totally, wholly; barely, hardly, just, marginally, minimally, scarcely; absolutely, categorically, unqualifiedly
2

chiefly

adjective chief·ly

Definition of chiefly

  1. :  of or relating to a chief chiefly duties

First Known Use of chiefly

1870

CHIEFLY Defined for English Language Learners

chiefly

play
adverb

Definition of chiefly for English Language Learners

  • : mainly or mostly

CHIEFLY Defined for Kids

chiefly

play
adverb chief·ly \ˈchē-flē\

Definition of chiefly for Students

  1. 1 :  above all :  most importantly We're chiefly concerned with safety.

  2. 2 :  for the most part Owls are active chiefly at night.

Learn More about chiefly

  1. See words that rhyme with chiefly Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for chiefly Nglish: Translation of chiefly for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of chiefly for Arabic speakers

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Examples: chiefly in a Sentence