WordGarden.iochiefly
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /tʃˈiːfli/
US
- /ˈtʃifli/
Meanings
Adverb
mainly or for the most part
Beyond the definition
If a cake recipe calls for flour, sugar, and butter—but chiefly butter—that suggests butter makes up the main share, even if other ingredients still matter. "Chiefly" tells you what accounts for the largest part or the main reason in a situation. It's like saying "mainly" or "primarily," often with a slightly more formal feel and a stronger focus on the principal component. A city might be known chiefly for its music scene, meaning that while it has other attractions, music is what it’s most associated with.
The word "chiefly" indicates that something is done mainly or primarily—it highlights the main part, chief reason, or dominant characteristic. It doesn't mean only, but rather for the most part. Think of a ship's crew: while everyone has a role, the captain is chiefly responsible for navigating and leading.
"Chiefly" often appears when describing qualities or reasons. For example, "The success of the project was chiefly due to her hard work," means that while other factors contributed, her effort was the most significant reason it succeeded. Or, "The region is chiefly agricultural," meaning farming is its primary economic activity, though there might be some industry too.
Historically, "chiefly" comes from the word "chief," referring to a leader or main person. This connection helps understand why it emphasizes what's most important. It's a subtle but powerful way to indicate priority and dominance.
So, when you want to emphasize that something is mainly true or responsible for an outcome, remember "chiefly"—the word that points to the most significant element in the mix.
Examples
- 1
Local economy
The area depends chiefly on farming and tourism.
- 2
Research focus
Her research deals chiefly with child development.
- 3
Cause
The delay was due chiefly to bad weather.
- Patterndue chiefly to + cause
caused mainly by it
- 4
Public identity
He is remembered chiefly as a poet, although he also wrote novels.
- Patternremembered chiefly as + role
known mainly in that role
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Ingredients
The dish is made chiefly from rice and vegetables.
See also
Similar
- mainly
- primarily
- principally
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- chiefly because
- chiefly concerned with
- chiefly used for
- chiefly found in
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- chieflyadverb