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

This language had evolved mainly from Attic and was spoken as a lingua franca throughout the eastern Roman realm. — Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Sep. 2026

The financial rewards go mainly to the companies and investors making the bet. — Kam Shenai, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

Though the film is set in Germany, the production shot mainly in Poland. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Even in his final years, Chatfield continued to write, mainly publishing musings on Christianity and life on his online literary journal, Syndic. — Los Angeles Times, 18 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