Main: meaning, definitions and examples

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main

[ meɪn ]

^{Context #1}

program

The largest or most important part of something.

Synonyms

chief, leading, primary, principal

Examples of usage

The main reason for his success was his dedication to his work.
The main character in the novel is a young woman searching for her identity.

^{Context #2}

waterway

A principal channel or pipe in a system for conveying water or gas.

Synonyms

channel, conduit, pipeline

Examples of usage

The mains in the neighborhood were being repaired, causing a temporary water outage.
The gas main was leaking and had to be fixed immediately.

^{Context #3}

most important

Chief in size, extent, or importance; principal; leading.

Synonyms

chief, foremost, leading, primary

Examples of usage

The main purpose of the meeting is to discuss the budget for the upcoming year.
The main issue at hand is finding a solution to the environmental crisis.

Translations

Translations of the word "main" in other languages:

🇵🇹 principal

🇮🇳 मुख्य

🇩🇪 hauptsächlich

🇮🇩 utama

🇺🇦 головний

🇵🇱 główny

🇯🇵 メイン

🇫🇷 principal

🇪🇸 principal

🇹🇷 ana

🇰🇷 주요한

🇸🇦 رئيسي

🇨🇿 hlavní

🇸🇰 hlavný

🇨🇳 主要

🇸🇮 glavni

🇮🇸 aðal

🇰🇿 негізгі

🇬🇪 მთავარი

🇦🇿 əsas

🇲🇽 principal

Word origin

The word 'main' originated from the Old English word 'mægen' meaning 'strength, power'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the largest or most important part of something. The use of 'main' as a waterway channel or pipe dates back to the 14th century. In modern usage, 'main' is commonly used to denote something of primary importance or significance.

See also: mainland, mainly, mainstay, mainstream.