main

The word “main” means most important; primary or chief. In plain terms, the chief or most important one, or a supply pipe/cable feeding a whole area.

“Main” is pronounced mayn (/meɪn/ in IPA).

Here is “main” used in a sentence: “The main reason he quit was the long commute.”

Depending on how it is used, “main” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “main” comes from Old English. From Old English mægen ("strength, principal force"), related to the verb "may" in the sense of power or ability.

“Main” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Main” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: most important; primary or chief.

The two are very close and often interchangeable. 'Main' is the more everyday word for the single most important thing — the main road, the main reason. 'Primary' is slightly more formal and can also carry the sense of 'first in order or origin,' as in primary school or primary colours.

Depending on context, the opposite is 'secondary,' 'minor,' or 'subordinate.' A main road contrasts with a side road; the main point contrasts with a minor detail. All of these describe something less important than the chief or central item that 'main' singles out.

It sits before a noun to mark it as the most important: 'the main entrance,' 'the main character,' 'my main concern.' In each case it tells you this is the chief or central one among several, not a side option or a lesser one.

It is neutral and suits almost any situation, from casual speech to business writing. If you want a more formal tone you might choose 'principal' or 'primary,' but 'main' is never too casual and is one of the clearest ways to point to the most important thing.