What does principally mean?
Principally means chiefly, mainly, or for the most part. It is used to identify the dominant aspect of a person, thing, or situation: for example, a course may be principally concerned with statistics, or a delay may be principally caused by bad weather. The word can also indicate the chief reason or purpose behind an action, as in “The tour is principally designed to showcase the region’s architecture.” Principally is a slightly formal and precise alternative to “mainly,” and it is common in academic, legal, institutional, and professional contexts without sounding excessively technical. It appears frequently in both British and American English. Although it is often close in meaning to “primarily,” the two words are not always identical in emphasis: “principally” can more explicitly foreground what is most important or most influential, while “primarily” may simply establish the main category or concern.
adverbIn most cases or to a greater extent; chiefly. It can also mean that something is the chief reason or consideration.
- For the most part or chiefly.
- As the chief reason, consideration, or purpose.
"The project is principally intended to improve access to rural healthcare."
"The museum's collection is principally composed of works from the nineteenth century."
"The delay was principally caused by severe weather."
Principally comes from a Latin word meaning “first” or “chief,” so it still points toward what matters most.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does principally come from?
Principally entered English through Old French and Medieval Latin, where it was formed from principalis, meaning “first,” “chief,” or “principal.” The underlying Latin root princeps combines prin-, meaning “first” or “principal,” with -ceps, meaning “taking” or “chief.” The modern adverb developed from the sense “in the chief or primary capacity” and eventually came to mean “for the most part.” Its relatives include principal, principle, principality, and prince.
How principally is actually used
Principally is standard in formal and professional writing, but it is equally natural in ordinary speech. It is especially common in British English, although it is also widely used in American English. It is often interchangeable with mainly and primarily, though principally can additionally suggest that something is the chief reason or focus.
Easily confused with principally
Principally is an adverb meaning chiefly or mainly, whereas principal is an adjective meaning most important or chief, or a noun meaning the head of an organization.