Principally

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. Mainly or chiefly; in a manner that emphasizes the most important or primary aspect of something
2. Primarily or fundamentally
3. in a way that highlights the primary or most significant element of a topic or situation

Etymology: "Principally" is a straightforward formation: the adjective "principal" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached. The adjective goes back to Latin "principalis," meaning "first" or "chief," itself derived from "princeps," a compound of "primus" ("first") and "capere" ("to take"), so the word's core idea is something taken first or in the lead position. The adverb appeared in Middle English as "principaly," and the modern spelling with "-ally" developed later. Its job is to tell you which element of a situation matters most, so that "the film was principally about grief" signals that grief is the main theme while other elements play supporting roles.

Synonyms: mainly, chiefly, primarily, largely, mostly

Antonyms: secondarily, minimally, insignificantly, marginally, substantially