Part of Speech

Adverb

Pronunciation

/ˈʧiːfli/

Definitions

• Adverb: Primarily; mainly; for the most part.
• Adverb: In the capacity of a chief or leader.

Usage Examples

• Her interests lie chiefly in literature and philosophy.
• This diet consists chiefly of fruits and vegetables.
• He acted chiefly as an advisor rather than a decision-maker.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English chiefli, from Old French chef meaning "chief" or "head," which originates from Latin caput, meaning "head."

Synonyms

• Mainly
• Primarily
• Mostly
• Predominantly
• Principally

Antonyms

• Secondarily
• Partially
• Marginally
• Incidentally

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈʧiːf.li/
• American English: /ˈʧiːf.li/

Historical Usage

The word "chiefly" has been in use since Middle English times, often appearing in literary and legal texts to denote something of primary importance. It has evolved in meaning to indicate "mainly" or "primarily" in common speech.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultural contexts, "chiefly" can indicate authority and leadership, especially in historical or hierarchical settings. In some traditions, it may be associated with noble or governing roles.

More Information

"Chiefly" is an adverb used to indicate primary or dominant characteristics of something. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to highlight the main aspect of a subject. While its primary use is to describe a degree of importance, it has also retained a historical connotation of leadership or authority in older texts.