Definitions for mainly
ˈmeɪn limain·ly

Princeton's WordNet(5.00 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

1. chiefly, principally, primarily, mainly, in the mainadverb

   for the most part

   "he is mainly interested in butterflies"

Wiktionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. mainlyadverb

   Forcefully, vigorously.

2. mainlyadverb

   Of the production of a sound: loudly, powerfully.

3. mainlyadverb

   To a great degree; very much.

4. mainlyadverb

   Chiefly; for the most part.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Mainlyadverb

   Etymology: from main.

   1. Chiefly; principally.

   A brutish vice,
   Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve. John Milton, Par. Lost.

   They are mainly reducible to three. More.

   The metallick matter now found in the perpendicular intervals of the strata, was originally lodged in the bodies of those strata, being interspersed amongst the matter, whereof the said strata mainly consist. John Woodward, Nat. Hist.

   2. Greatly; powerfully.

   It was observed by one, that himself came hardly to a little riches, and very easily to great riches: for when a man’s stock is come to that, that he can expect the prime of markets, and overcome those bargains, which, for their greatness, are few mens money, and be partner in the industries of younger men, he cannot but increase mainly. Francis Bacon.

Webster Dictionary(4.00 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Mainlyadverb

   very strongly; mightily; to a great degree

2. Mainlyadverb

   principally; chiefly

3. Etymology: [From main strong. See Main strength.]

British National Corpus

1. Spoken Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'mainly' in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #1485

2. Written Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'mainly' in Written Corpus Frequency: #1694

3. Adverbs Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'mainly' in Adverbs Frequency: #134

Anagrams for mainly »

1. aminyl

2. amylin

How to pronounce mainly?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say mainly in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of mainly in Chaldean Numerology is: 6

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of mainly in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of mainly in a Sentence

1. Stuart Stevens:

   The Lincoln Project's The Lincoln Project, i don't know George Conway at all. Our paths never crossed. ... But this core group is mainly people I've known one way or another for a long time.

2. Charlie Thomas:

   The UK's current policy sends a mixed message ... but I suspect it is mainly driven by pressures from the Treasury (finance ministry).

3. Dick Smith:

   After going 34,000 kilometers around the world he crossed the runway where he took off from, that's never happened before. It was mainly luck and it's just unbelievable.

4. Paul Dergarabedian:

   The ebb and flow of the popularity of streaming is mainly determined by the ups and downs of the pandemic, that has created not only a conundrum for studios, but also for consumers who are torn between their desire to see blockbuster films on the big screen at their local multiplex or from the comfort of the couch at home.

5. Camilla Hanson:

   Some people don’t like to be on the receiving end and don’t like to ask favors, our study really shows that there’s a whole host of emotional barriers, mainly guilt, that stop someone from asking for, and perhaps accepting, a kidney.

Popularity rank by frequency of use