mainly

adv

Etymology: From Middle English maynly; equivalent to main + -ly.

1. Chiefly; for the most part.

   “She had Lord James' collar in one big fist and she pounded the table with the other and talked a blue streak. Nobody could make out plain what she said, for she was mainly jabbering Swede lingo, but there was English enough, of a kind, to give us some idee.”

   “If you’re looking for the most breathable mask, Lukovics says, “Cotton is preferable, mainly for absorbing moisture/sweat.” She says multiple layers may be more protective but will also impact breathability.”

2. Forcefully, vigorously.

   “Such breadth of ſhoulders as might mainely beare Olde Atlas burthen, […]”

   “Mainly they all attonce vpon him laid, / And sore beset on euery side around […]”

3. Of the production of a sound: loudly, powerfully.

   “But in the end, mainly crying out, he fell to raling and wringing his master, upbraiding him that he was not a true Philosopher[…].”

4. To a great degree; very much.