Definitions
- Used to indicate the most important or primary reason for something. - Referring to the main aspect or characteristic of something. - Talking about the primary or essential element of a situation or problem.
- Used to indicate the primary or most significant part of something. - Referring to the most important or essential aspect of a situation. - Talking about the majority or largest part of something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words are adverbs that indicate importance or significance.
- 2Both words can be used to describe the primary or essential aspect of something.
- 3Both words can be used to indicate the majority or largest part of something.
- 4Both words are used to emphasize the most important or significant element of a situation.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Principally is more formal and less commonly used than mainly.
- 2Meaning: Principally emphasizes the primary or essential element of a situation, while mainly emphasizes the most significant or important part.
- 3Connotation: Principally can imply a more serious or weighty tone, while mainly is more neutral in connotation.
- 4Position: Principally is often used at the beginning of a sentence, while mainly can be used in various positions.
Remember this!
Principally and mainly are synonyms that both indicate importance or significance. However, principally is more formal and less commonly used than mainly. Principally emphasizes the primary or essential element of a situation, while mainly emphasizes the most significant or important part. Principally can imply a more serious or weighty tone, while mainly is more neutral in connotation.
