Definitions
- Used to indicate the main or primary reason or factor. - Referring to something that is primarily or predominantly true or applicable. - Talking about the most important or significant aspect of something.
- Describing something that occurs or exists in the largest part or majority. - Referring to something that is mainly or primarily true or applicable. - Talking about a situation where something happens or is true for the most part.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words are used to indicate a large portion or majority.
- 2Both words can be used to describe something that is primarily or predominantly true or applicable.
- 3Both words can be used as adverbs or adjectives.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Chiefly is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation compared to mostly.
- 2Emphasis: Chiefly emphasizes the main or primary reason or factor, while mostly focuses on the largest part or majority.
- 3Degree: Chiefly implies a higher level of importance or significance compared to mostly.
- 4Subjectivity: Chiefly suggests a subjective judgment or opinion, while mostly is more objective and factual.
- 5Frequency: Chiefly is used less frequently than mostly in both spoken and written English.
Remember this!
Chiefly and mostly are synonyms that both convey the idea of something being primarily or predominantly true or applicable. However, there are some differences between the two words. Chiefly is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation, while mostly is more commonly used. Additionally, chiefly emphasizes the main reason or factor, while mostly focuses on the largest part or majority.
