principally

Everyday

1. Mainly; mostly; more than anything else: The club is principally for beginners. tree →
2. (formal) Chiefly, as the most important reason. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word for «mainly», found in reports, science texts and exam passages: «Whales feed principally on krill». It tells the reader which part is biggest or most important, though not the only one. In maths, «the class is principally girls» means more than half are girls. Phrases: «principally because», «principally made of», «principally used for».

Examples

• Koalas eat principally eucalyptus leaves. tree →
• The air is principally nitrogen. tree →
• The book is principally about friendship. tree →
• She left principally because she was tired. tree →
• The town is known principally for its cheese. tree →
• The money was principally spent on books. tree →
• This park is principally for families. tree →
• Her favour was propitiated by offerings and sacrifices, principally consisting of black lambs. tree →

Note

From «principal» (main) + «-ly». Not from «principle». Simpler words: mainly, mostly, chiefly.