Chiefly

/ˈtʃifli/

Meaning & Definition

adverb

In the main; for the most part; mainly.

The committee is chiefly concerned with environmental issues.

As the main or primary reason.

She studies history chiefly to understand the present.

To a large extent.

The festival was attended chiefly by local residents.

Primarily or mainly, indicating the dominant or most important aspect.

The book is aimed chiefly at a younger audience.

Middle English, from chief + -ly

chiefly responsible

primarily accountable for a task or outcome.

chiefly concerned

mainly interested or affected by something.

chief

the person with the highest rank in a group.

chiefdom

a form of hierarchical political organization in non-industrial societies.

Usually used to emphasize the main aspect of something.

That event was chiefly about music.