Chiefly: meaning, definitions and examples
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chiefly
[ˈtʃiːfli ]
Definitions
formal
Mainly or mostly, typically used to indicate the primary focus or importance of something.
Synonyms
largely, mainly, mostly, primarily.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| chiefly |
Used when focusing on the most important or primary aspect of something.
|
| mostly |
Used when something happens the majority of the time or for the most part, but not exclusively.
|
| mainly |
Used to describe the primary, most frequent, or dominant aspect or activity.
|
| primarily |
Used to indicate the main purpose, function, or focus of something.
|
| largely |
Used when something happens to a great extent or majority, indicating the overall sense without exclusion.
|
Examples of usage
- He is chiefly responsible for the success of the project.
- The company is chiefly known for its innovative products.
literary
In the main; for the most part.
Synonyms
largely, mainly, mostly, primarily.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| chiefly |
Used to emphasize the most important reason, aspect, or element of something. It often highlights the primary focus or main point of discussion.
|
| mostly |
Indicates that something happens for the most part or generally true in the majority of cases, but not exclusively.
|
| mainly |
Used when identifying the main reason, cause, or part of something. It is often used to indicate the primary focus but allows for other factors to be present.
|
| primarily |
Used to point out the primary reason, purpose, or element of something. It focuses on the main point, often above all others.
|
| largely |
Applied when something happens or is true to a great extent, but not completely. It often describes a predominant factor or major portion.
|
Examples of usage
- The garden was chiefly roses, with a few other flowers scattered in between.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'chiefly' comes from the Middle English word 'chieff', which means 'leader' or 'main'.
- Its origins can be traced back to the Latin word 'caput', which means 'head'.
- The use of 'chiefly' dates back to the 14th century, emphasizing its long-standing presence in the English language.
Literature
- This adverb is often used in literature to clarify the main theme or focus of a story.
- Writers frequently employ 'chiefly' to highlight what is most important or notable in their narratives.
- In poetry, 'chiefly' can set up contrast, making the main idea stand out more vividly against lesser themes.
Grammar
- 'Chiefly' is classified as an adverb, which describes how or to what extent something is done.
- It often modifies verbs or adjectives to indicate that something is done primarily or mostly.
- In sentences, 'chiefly' can help streamline complex ideas, making them easier to understand at a glance.
Pop Culture
- In various media, characters may describe their priorities using 'chiefly' to emphasize their main goals.
- This word is frequently found in formal speeches and news reports, often to clarify primary issues.
- Notable figures in history have used 'chiefly' when talking about their leadership styles, signifying what they focus on in their actions.
Cultural Usage
- Different languages have equivalents for 'chiefly', like 'principalmente' in Spanish, showing its universal appeal.
- In many cultures, leaders are expected to act chiefly in the interest of their people, highlighting a shared value in leadership.
- It's common in business settings to hear phrases like 'chiefly concerned with profit', underlining the focus on main objectives.
Translations
Translations of the word "chiefly" in other languages:
🇵🇹 principalmente
🇮🇳 मुख्य रूप से
🇩🇪 hauptsächlich
🇮🇩 terutama
🇺🇦 переважно
🇵🇱 głównie
🇯🇵 主に
🇫🇷 principalement
🇪🇸 principalmente
🇹🇷 başlıca
🇰🇷 주로
🇸🇦 أساسا
🇨🇿 hlavně
🇸🇰 hlavne
🇨🇳 主要地
🇸🇮 predvsem
🇮🇸 aðallega
🇰🇿 негізінен
🇬🇪 ძირითადად
🇦🇿 əsasən
🇲🇽 principalmente