chiefly
gb/t͡ʃˈifli/ us/t͡ʃˈifli/
B2
English
~ 2100
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
relation
1
mainly; for the most part
Used to say that something happens or is true more than anything else.
Usage pattern:
chiefly [verb/phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'chiefly' with 'chief', using the latter as an adverb, which is incorrect.
Synonyms
mainly (Very close in meaning, often interchangeable in everyday contexts.)
|
primarily (Slightly more formal; often used in academic or professional contexts.)
Antonyms
partly (Indicates only a small or incomplete degree rather than the main part.)
|
rarely (Opposite in frequency; suggests something happens infrequently rather than most of the time.)
Collocations
chiefly responsible
|chiefly concerned
|chiefly used
|chiefly composed of
Themes
communication
|descriptions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The committee is chiefly concerned with public safety.
- Tourism is chiefly important to the region's economy.
- The book is aimed chiefly at young readers.
- Her work consists chiefly of landscape paintings.
Learner examples
- This website is chiefly for students.
- He is chiefly interested in art.
- The city’s income comes chiefly from tourism.
- The show is chiefly about cooking.
Grammar
Dictionary form
chiefly
IPA
GB/t͡ʃˈifli/
US/t͡ʃˈifli/
Syllables & stress
chiefly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (chiefly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: chiefly
- Plural: chieflies
Word family
Expressions
chiefly because
1/t͡ʃˈifli bɪkˈʌz/
fixed phrase
mainly for a particular reason
Used to show that something happens mostly for one reason.
Examples
- I moved here chiefly because of the job opportunities.
- She chose the course chiefly because it was recommended by her mentor.
chiefly responsible for
1/t͡ʃˈifli ɹispˈɑnsɪbəl fɚ/
fixed phrase
mainly in charge of something
Used to say someone has most of the responsibility for something.
Examples
- He is chiefly responsible for managing the budget.
- The manager is chiefly responsible for hiring new staff.