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mainly (iou)



mainly adverb. ME.
[from MAIN adjective + -LY2.]
With force; vigorously, violently. ME-M17.
b. In a loud voice, loudly. ME-L19.
c. Vehemently, strongly; earnestly, eagerly. LME-E17.
a. In a great degree; greatly, considerably, very much, a great deal. Also, entirely, perfectly. LME-E19.
Shakespeare Hamlet As by your safety, wisdom, all things else, You mainly were stirr'd up. C. Lamb I think we should suit one another mainly.
b. Very, exceedingly. Cf. MAIN adverb. obsolete exc. dial. L17.
Smollett The captain was mainly wroth, and would..have done him a mischief.
For the most part; in the main; as the chief thing, chiefly, principally. M17.
E. Saintsbury Then, cottages were mainly of stone. S. Plath Blackberries on either side, though on the right mainly.