Definitions
- Referring to something that is mostly or predominantly true. - Describing a situation where something occurs frequently or in great quantity. - Talking about a condition that is generally true but may have some exceptions.
- Referring to something that is primarily or chiefly true. - Describing a situation where something occurs most of the time or is the most important factor. - Talking about a condition that is generally true and has few exceptions.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words indicate a high degree of truth or occurrence.
- 2Both can be used to describe a general trend or condition.
- 3Both can be used as adverbs or adjectives.
- 4Both can be used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Largely implies a broader scope than mainly, which is more specific.
- 2Frequency: Mainly suggests a higher frequency than largely.
- 3Importance: Mainly emphasizes the most important factor, while largely suggests a significant but not necessarily primary factor.
- 4Exceptions: Largely allows for more exceptions than mainly.
- 5Usage: Largely is more commonly used in academic or technical writing, while mainly is more common in everyday language.
Remember this!
Largely and mainly are synonyms that both indicate a high degree of truth or occurrence. However, largely implies a broader scope and allows for more exceptions, while mainly is more specific and emphasizes the most important factor. Largely is more commonly used in academic or technical writing, while mainly is more common in everyday language.
