principally
gb/pɹˈɪnsɪpli/ us/pɹˈɪnsɪpli/
B2
English
~ 5900
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
B2
relation
1
mainly; for the most part
Used to say that something is true mostly, more than for any other reason or part.
Usage pattern:
[something] is principally [used/concerned/aimed] for/with [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "principally" with "in principle" or "on principle". "Principally" means "mainly" (e.g., "The class is principally for beginners"), while "in principle" means "generally, in theory" and "on principle" means "because of your beliefs". Learners also sometimes mix up "principally" with "principal" (adjective/noun) and "principle" (noun).
Synonyms
mainly (Most common and neutral; less formal and more frequent than "principally".)
|
chiefly (Very close in meaning; slightly formal and often used like "principally" in writing.)
|
primarily (Very similar but often focuses on the main purpose or main reason.)
Antonyms
partly (Suggests that something is only true in part, not for the largest part or main reason.)
Collocations
principally because
|principally due to
|used principally for
|consists principally of
|aimed principally at
|concerned principally with
Themes
academic
|business
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new tax will principally affect high-income households.
- His work is principally concerned with climate policy in developing countries.
- The charity operates principally in rural areas.
- This software is used principally for data analysis rather than for design.
- The delay was principally due to problems with the supplier.
Learner examples
- The club is principally for students who like music.
- The company sells principally to customers in Europe.
- Our costs are principally for rent and salaries.
- This room is principally used for meetings.
- Her research is principally about child health.
Grammar
Dictionary form
principally
IPA
GB/pɹˈɪnsɪpli/
US/pɹˈɪnsɪpli/
Syllables & stress
prin - cip - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (prin)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: principally
- Plural: principallies
Word family
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.