Predominantly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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predominantly

[prษชหˆdษ’mษชnษ™ntli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

use in a sentence

Mainly; for the most part. Predominantly is used to describe something that is the most common or prevalent in a particular situation.

Synonyms

chiefly, largely, mainly, mostly, primarily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
predominantly

Used when something is the most common or important element, but not solely that element.

  • The students in the class are predominantly from the local area
  • The weather during the summer is predominantly hot, with occasional rain
mainly

Used when something represents the main part or reason, but not the only part.

  • He eats mainly vegetarian food, though he occasionally has meat
  • The team's success is mainly due to their hard work
mostly

Used when something happens most of the time, but not always.

  • She is mostly happy with her job, although there are stressful days
  • The building is mostly made of brick, with some wooden elements
chiefly

Used when something is the primary or main element, often with a sense of importance or leadership.

  • The committee is chiefly responsible for budget allocation
  • She is chiefly known for her contributions to science
largely

Used when something is mostly true but not entirely true, with a few exceptions.

  • The project was largely successful, though some tasks remain incomplete
  • The population is largely rural, with some urban areas
primarily

Used when something is the primary focus or the main reason for something, often used in a formal sense.

  • The course is primarily designed for advanced students
  • He was hired primarily for his expertise in data analysis

Examples of usage

  • The population of the town is predominantly elderly.
  • The company's customer base is predominantly young adults.
  • The team's strategy is predominantly focused on defense.
  • The film industry is predominantly located in Hollywood.
  • In some cultures, men are predominantly the breadwinners.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Insights

  • In many societies, predominant cultural values can shape behavior, beliefs, and traditions, influencing everyone in that culture.
  • In polling data, the predominantly agreed opinions often set the tone for societal norms and policies.
  • Certain languages can be predominantly spoken in different regions, showcasing cultural identity and social priorities.

Science

  • In genetics, a trait is said to be predominantly expressed when it overrides a recessive trait, often determining an organism's characteristics.
  • Nutrition discussions often highlight predominantly healthy foods that contribute more to a balanced diet compared to unhealthy options.
  • In ecosystems, certain species can be predominantly present, influencing the overall health and functionality of that environment.

Psychology

  • Predominant thoughts can affect emotions and behaviors, suggesting that what we focus on can shape our mental health.
  • In group dynamics, predominantly influential members often sway group decisions and attitudes, leading the direction of collective actions.
  • Emotional responses can be predominantly influenced by past experiences, showing how our histories shape present feelings.

Literature

  • In narrative structures, a predominant theme can drive the plot, shaping characters and conflicts throughout the story.
  • Many literary works reflect predominantly societal issues, inviting readers to engage with topics like equality, identity, and freedom.
  • Poetic forms may use a predominantly rhyming scheme, highlighting certain ideas or emotions through rhythm and sound.

Origin of 'predominantly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin root 'praedominari,' which means to have power or influence over something.
  • It entered the English language in the late 16th century, originally used in discussions involving authority and control.
  • The prefix 'pre-' indicates 'before,' while 'dominant' relates to having the most influence, together suggesting one thing stands out.

The word 'predominantly' originated from the Latin word 'praedominant-', which means 'to dominate'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, it has become commonly used in various contexts to indicate something that is the most prevalent or common. The adverb 'predominantly' has been integrated into everyday language to describe situations where one particular element stands out as the primary or dominant factor.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,120 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.