Definitions
- Used to indicate the main or most important reason for something. - Referring to the primary or fundamental aspect of a situation or issue. - Talking about the essential or crucial element of a topic or discussion.
- Used to indicate the primary or most significant part of something. - Referring to the main or most important aspect of a situation or issue. - Talking about the most prominent or essential element of a topic or discussion.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words indicate the primary or most important aspect of something.
- 2Both can be used to describe the fundamental or essential element of a topic or discussion.
- 3Both are adverbs that modify verbs or verb phrases.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Principally is more formal and less commonly used than chiefly in everyday language.
- 2Meaning: Principally emphasizes the most important reason or factor, while chiefly highlights the primary or most significant part.
- 3Connotation: Principally can imply a sense of hierarchy or importance, while chiefly is more neutral in tone.
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Remember this!
Principally and chiefly are synonyms that both indicate the primary or most important aspect of something. However, principally is more formal and emphasizes the most important reason or factor, while chiefly is more neutral in tone and highlights the primary or most significant part.
