Main: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when referring to the most important or central aspect of something.

• The main reason for the meeting was to discuss the new budget
• The main character in the story was very interesting

Good for indicating something that is first in importance or of a basic nature. Often used in formal, educational, or scientific contexts.

• His primary responsibility is to manage the project
• Education is a primary concern for many parents

Appropriate for describing someone in a leadership role or the highest-ranking position, often in a formal or official context.

• The chief executive officer gave an inspiring speech
• He is the chief of the entire department

Ideal for highlighting something or someone that is at the forefront in a specific field or activity. Often used to indicate prominence and success.

• She is a leading expert in artificial intelligence
• The company is a leading manufacturer of electric cars

Suitable for describing something that is of the greatest importance or the head of an institution, particularly in formal and educational settings.

• The principal goal of the project is to improve water quality
• She met with the school principal to discuss her child's grades

Typically used to refer to the primary or most important part of something, like a main road or main point.

• The main entrance is around the corner.
• He summarized the main points of the presentation.

Primarily used to describe a long tube used to transport gas, oil, or other substances over long distances. Also used metaphorically to indicate any process that involves a sequence of stages.

• The oil pipeline stretches across the entire country.
• There are a lot of projects in the pipeline but none are finished yet.

Usually refers to a tube or passage through which something flows, often used in technical or industrial contexts, like electrical wiring or pipes.

• The cables are carried through a conduit in the wall.
• The organization served as a conduit for information.

Used often in the context of media, communication, or natural paths through which something flows, such as a TV channel or a water channel.

• Please switch to the news channel.
• The river carved a deep channel through the valley.

Used to refer to the most important part or component. Commonly used in everyday conversation.

• The main reason for the delay was the heavy traffic.
• The main character in the movie was very inspiring.

Refers to something that is the most important or earliest in time or order. Commonly used in educational, scientific, or structured settings.

• Their primary objective is to reduce costs.
• Primary education is essential for a child's development.

Used to indicate a principal person or the head of an organization. Often used in formal or official contexts.

• He is the chief executive officer of the company.
• The chief concern of the committee is public safety.

Used to describe someone or something that is most important or successful in a particular field or activity. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

• He is a leading figure in the art community.
• The leading cause of illness in the region is air pollution.

Used to describe someone or something that is the most prominent or leading in a particular group. Often used in written or formal contexts.

• She is one of the foremost experts in environmental science.
• The company is the foremost provider of renewable energy solutions.