Predominantly

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /pɹɪˈdɒmɪnəntli/

Definitions

1. In a way that signifies the most typical or pervasive trait
2. In a manner showing that something is the main or chief element involved
3. Used to express that something occurs or exists to the greatest extent or primarily

Etymology: "Predominantly" is a plain formation: the adjective "predominant" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached. "Predominant" comes from Latin "praedominari," meaning to rule over or prevail, built from "prae" (before, above) and "dominari" (to rule), and it entered English as an adjective meaning dominant or having the most power or influence. The adjective's sense of "more numerous or more common" developed from that idea of prevailing. The suffix "-ly" has a long pedigree of its own. It descends from Old English "-līċe," which was itself tied to the noun "līc," meaning body or form, so that early adverbs were built on the sense of "in the manner of" or "in the shape of." Over time "-līċe" wore down to "-ly" in Middle English, and it became the standard way to turn adjectives into adverbs. Put together, "predominantly" means "in a ruling or prevailing manner," which in modern use narrows to "for the most part" or "in most cases."

Synonyms: mainly, primarily, chiefly, mostly, largely

Antonyms: minimally, secondarily, infrequently, occasionally, partially