Principally: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when emphasizing the most important reason or cause, often in formal or written communication.

• The company is principally concerned with providing high-quality customer service.
• The improvement in her health was principally due to the new medication.

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.

• She mainly focuses on digital marketing.
• The weather in this region is mainly sunny during the summer.

Used to indicate the primary factor or main point, often in context of description that highlights a majority element.

• Their diet consists chiefly of fruits and nuts.
• The book is chiefly about the history of the Roman Empire.

Used to describe the largest or most frequent part of something, usually in informal or general statements.

• He is mostly interested in science fiction books.
• The town is mostly quiet at night.

Use this when you want to emphasize the main reason or factor among several possibilities.

• The project was principally funded by the government.
• She is principally known for her work in environmental activism.

This is used to distill something down to its most fundamental nature, often implying that the details do not change the core idea.

• The two products are essentially the same, despite minor differences.
• Essentially, the decision is up to you.

This word is best used when you want to simplify or summarize something by getting to its most important point.

• Basically, all you need to do is follow the instructions.
• The idea is basically a new way to recycle plastics.

This word should be used when discussing core aspects that are crucial and foundational, especially when highlighting deep-rooted differences or agreements.

• They have fundamentally different approaches to teaching.
• The issue is fundamentally about trust and transparency.