easy
The passage is mainly about teamwork.
What does Mainly mean?
Mainly means mostly.
Dictionary definition
Mostly or for the most part.
Example sentences
Mainly in a sentence
medium
She mainly studies in the evening.
hard
A summary should include what the text is mainly about.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice mainly in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Mainly
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does mainly mean?
The correct answer matches the meaning of mainly.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to mainly?
Mostly is close in meaning to mainly.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a contrast for mainly?
Rarely contrasts with mainly.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Mainly
Voice settings
Sounds like
mayn · lee · strongest beat: mayn
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordMainly.
Partadverb.
MeaningMainly means mostly.
ExampleExample: The passage is mainly about teamwork.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- mayn · lee
- Strongest beat
- mayn
- Ending
- lee
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on mayn.
Your turn
Say Mainly
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced mainly.
Synonyms
Words like Mainly
mostlyCan be used as a similar word for mainly in some contexts.
primarilyCan be used as a similar word for mainly in some contexts.
largelyCan be used as a similar word for mainly in some contexts.
Antonyms
Opposite words
rarelyCan be used as a contrast for mainly in some contexts.
secondarilyCan be used as a contrast for mainly in some contexts.
Synonym practice
Want to practice mainly synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The club mainly meets after school," then compare close word choices. Practice mainly synonyms.
Word family
Mainly word family
Base word
main
adverb
mainly
Mostly or for the most part.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Mainly
Hint for students
Mainly means mostly or for the most part. It shows what is most important or most common.
Common mix-up
Mainly is not the same as only. Mainly means mostly, but there can still be other parts or reasons.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows mainly without using the word mainly. Model sentence: The store sells books most of the time, though it also has a few puzzles. Clue words: most of the time, also, a few puzzles. Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show what is mostly true while allowing something else too?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The club mainly meets to practice chess, but members also read strategy books." Why does mainly fit better than rarely?
Learning activities
Practice Mainly and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice MAINLY” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice MAINLY
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with MAINLY
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words