Definitions
- Referring to the main or most important reason or factor. - Describing something that is primarily or predominantly true or accurate. - Talking about the fundamental or essential aspect of a situation or issue.
- Referring to something that occurs or exists for the greater part or majority of the time. - Describing something that is mainly or largely true or accurate. - Talking about something that is done or happens frequently or habitually.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is predominantly true or accurate.
- 2Both words can be used to indicate the most important aspect of a situation or issue.
- 3Both words are adverbs that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Principally is more formal and less commonly used than mostly in everyday language.
- 2Meaning: Principally emphasizes the main or most important factor, while mostly refers to something that occurs or exists for the greater part or majority of the time.
- 3Frequency: Mostly implies a higher frequency or habituality than principally.
- 4Connotation: Principally has a more serious and weighty connotation than mostly, which can be more casual or colloquial.
- 5Position: Principally is often used at the beginning of a sentence, while mostly can be used in various positions within a sentence.
Remember this!
Principally and mostly are synonyms that both describe something that is predominantly true or accurate. However, principally is more formal and emphasizes the main or most important factor, while mostly is more casual and refers to something that occurs or exists for the greater part or majority of the time.
