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Definition of principally

principally

/ˈprɪn.sə.pə.li/
prin · ci · pal · ly
Adjective:principal
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principally Lexical Profile

principally Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

For the most part; mainly or chiefly.

Example

"The region's economy relies principally on agriculture and seasonal tourism."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for principally

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'principally' (meaning mainly or for the most part) with 'in principle' (meaning as a general idea or on moral grounds).

• Nearby Words

princess
principal
principality
principally
principle
principled
prinia

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'principal' (from Old French and Latin 'principalis', meaning 'first in importance') plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Principally. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/principally
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