mainly

[ meyn-lee ]

adverb

1. chiefly; principally; for the most part; in the main; to the greatest extent:

   Our success was due mainly to your efforts. The audience consisted mainly of students.

2. Obsolete. greatly; mightily; abundantly.

mainly

/ ˈmeɪnlɪ /

adverb

1. for the most part; to the greatest extent; principally
2. obsolete.
   strongly; very much

Word History and Origins

Origin of mainly¹

First recorded in 1225–75, mainly is from the Middle English word maynliche, maynly. See main ¹, -ly

Example Sentences

He suggests universities should think about “a transformation of their offer”, looking closely at the length and range of courses, and how to increase degree apprenticeships where tuition fees are covered mainly through the levy on larger employers.

From BBC

There are 86 local government pension funds in England and Wales, which are mainly paid into by local government workers.

From BBC

Despite these shocking revelations, mainly involving boys from elite British public schools, the Rushton report was not widely circulated.

From BBC

From 2022 to 2024, Tesla and its subsidiaries were awarded at least $631,800 in federal contracts mainly to provide vehicles for the U.S. embassies in Singapore, Iceland and Thailand, the data showed.

From Los Angeles Times

Paul – who has mainly fought ex-UFC stars in an 11-bout career – cursed at a journalist who asked him when he would face "a real fighter".

From BBC