Principally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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principally
[หprษชnsษpษli ]
Definitions
in the main
Chiefly; mainly. Used to indicate that something is true or exists to a large extent, but not completely.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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principally |
Used when emphasizing the most important reason or cause, often in formal or written communication.
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mainly |
Used when expressing the major part or most significant aspect but often with less emphasis than 'principally' or 'chiefly'. Suitable for conversational and informal contexts.
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chiefly |
Used to indicate the primary factor or main point, often in context of description that highlights a majority element.
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mostly |
Used to describe the largest or most frequent part of something, usually in informal or general statements.
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Examples of usage
- He was principally interested in the financial side of the business.
- She is principally responsible for the project's success.
essentially
Used to indicate that something is essentially true or correct.
Synonyms
basically, essentially, fundamentally.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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principally |
Use this when you want to emphasize the main reason or factor among several possibilities.
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essentially |
This is used to distill something down to its most fundamental nature, often implying that the details do not change the core idea.
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basically |
This word is best used when you want to simplify or summarize something by getting to its most important point.
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fundamentally |
This word should be used when discussing core aspects that are crucial and foundational, especially when highlighting deep-rooted differences or agreements.
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Examples of usage
- The book is principally concerned with the impact of technology on society.
- He is principally known for his research in the field of physics.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Usage in Literature
- In classic literature, the term is often used to highlight the main theme or message of a story.
- It frequently appears in academic texts to clarify the primary focus of discussion.
- Notable authors have utilized the term to emphasize the main character's motivations or conflicts.
Education
- In teaching, educators often focus on 'principally' important concepts to help students grasp essential ideas.
- Curriculum design prioritizes subjects that are principally relevant for learnersโ development.
- Standardized tests emphasize questions that assess principally understanding key knowledge areas.
Philosophy
- Philosophical discussions often revolve around principles that are principally significant for ethical reasoning.
- In moral philosophy, principles guide actions that are chiefly directed toward the greater good.
- Exploration of concepts like free will and determinism often hinges on principally debated ideas.
Science
- In scientific studies, researchers are principally concerned with the most impactful variables affecting outcomes.
- The concept of principal components is crucial in data analysis to interpret multi-dimensional datasets.
- Principally, scientists address hypotheses that stand as the foundation for experimental inquiry.
Origin of 'principally'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'principalis', which means 'chief' or 'primary'.
- Its earliest recorded usage in English dates back to the 15th century.
- The prefix 'prin-' relates to being first or primary, showing its importance in language.
The word 'principally' has its origins in the Latin word 'principalis', which means 'first' or 'chief'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Over time, 'principally' has come to be used to indicate something that is mainly or chiefly true. It is commonly used in formal or academic writing to emphasize the primary importance of a particular aspect.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #4,259, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.
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- 4256 encouraging
- 4257 urine
- 4258 enzyme
- 4259 principally
- 4260 anyway
- 4261 applicants
- 4262 informal
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