chiefly
6 synonyms for chiefly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Mainly or for the most part.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
for the most part
How to use chiefly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
chiefly because
chiefly due to
aimed chiefly at
Etymology
Formed from "chief" plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of chiefly →Frequently asked questions
What does “chiefly” mean?
The word “chiefly” means mainly or for the most part. In plain terms, mostly, primarily — used to point out the main reason or focus among several.
How do you pronounce “chiefly”?
“Chiefly” is pronounced CHEEF-lee (/ˈtʃiːf.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “chiefly” in a sentence?
Here is “chiefly” used in a sentence: “The delay was caused chiefly by bad weather.”
What is another word for “chiefly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “chiefly” include particularly, for the most part and largely.
What part of speech is “chiefly”?
“Chiefly” is an adverb.
Is “chiefly” a common word?
“Chiefly” is an uncommon word in modern English.
