CHIEFLY Meaning and
Definition
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Chiefly is an adverb that primarily denotes a degree of emphasis or importance given to a particular option or aspect among others. It commonly signifies that something is done, experienced, or observed primarily or mostly in relation to other alternatives.
Often used in the context of comparative analysis or ranking, chiefly implies that a certain quality, feature, or action is the most significant or dominant in a given context. It highlights the primary focus or primary motivation behind a decision or action, indicating that it is of the utmost importance or relevance in comparison to others. For example, in the sentence "She chose to visit Paris chiefly for its iconic landmarks," the word chiefly emphasizes that the primary reason for her visit was the iconic landmarks, suggesting that other factors may have played a lesser role.
Moreover, chiefly can also indicate the most common, prevalent, or notable characteristic of a particular situation or phenomenon. It implies that something is true or present to a large extent in comparison to other elements. For instance, in the sentence "The residents of this town are chiefly engaged in farming," chiefly suggests that the predominant occupation or activity of the residents is farming.
In summary, chiefly serves to underscore the primary significance or dominance of a particular option, element, or characteristic within a given context, indicating that it holds a higher status or degree of prominence in comparison to alternatives or in relation to other aspects.
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Especially; mainly; principally; in the first place.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CHIEFLY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CHIEFLY
Etymology of CHIEFLY
The word "chiefly" is derived from the Middle English word "chif" or "chef", which originated from the Old French word "chief". "Chief" comes from the Late Latin word "capum", meaning "head". The suffix "-ly" is added to "chief" to form an adverb, indicating that something occurs primarily or mainly.
Similar spelling words for CHIEFLY
- chivalry,
- chili,
- cheaply,
- chilly,
- chill,
- cheerful,
- chef,
- chisel,
- chilli,
- chief,
- chile.
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