chiefly

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word chiefly. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word chiefly, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say chiefly in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word chiefly you have here. The definition of the word chiefly will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofchiefly, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈtʃiːf.li/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -iːfli

Etymology 1

From Middle English chefly; equivalent to chief +‎ -ly (adverbial suffix).

Adverb

chiefly (comparative more chiefly, superlative most chiefly)

  1. (focus) Especially or primarily; above all.
    Their relationship is chiefly professional.
    This is a term chiefly used by online gamers.
    • 1975 July 7, Ben A. Franklin, “MANDEL INQUIRY STIRS MARYLAND”, in The New York Times‎:
      But questions presisted, chiefly because of the acknowledged and continuing Federal investigation of Mr. Mandel's wealthy friends, W. Dale Hess and Harry W. Rogers 3d, who have profited from business with the state.
  2. (focus) Mainly or principally; almost entirely.
Synonyms
Derived terms
Translations

Etymology 2

From chief +‎ -ly (adjectival suffix).

Adjective

chiefly (comparative chieflier, superlative chiefliest)

  1. of or relating to a chief
    • 1890, James George Frazer, The Golden Bough, volume 2, page 261:
      The maintenance of a perpetual fire came to be associated with chiefly or royal dignity.
Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia