main idea

[ meyn ahy-dee-uh ]

noun

1. the most important or central thought of a paragraph or larger section of text, which tells the reader what the text is about:

   Find the main idea in each paragraph.

Word History and Origins

Origin of main idea¹

First recorded in 1855–65

Example Sentences

The main idea stands in that it’s where I can go for just me; but I don’t take baths anymore, I don’t have time.

From Los Angeles Times

The party's main idea for adult social care in England is to set up a royal commission within the first 100 days of a new government.

From BBC

The main idea is that there is a new kind of computing that isn’t here yet, but it’s coming.

From NewsForKids.net

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also suggested that the main idea behind the package was to funnel money to U.S. weapons manufacturers.

From Los Angeles Times

Companies who routinely violate the law could face fines, Haney said, but the main idea is to let employees know what to expect from their work.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aspect
• basis
• bottom line
• character
• core
• crux
• element
• lifeblood
• meaning
• nature
• principle
• quality
• reality
• root
• soul
• spirit
• structure
• substance