Chiefly Meaning
/ˈtʃiːf.li/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
advEspecially or primarily; above all.
advMainly or principally; almost entirely.
Sentence Examples
The problem was chiefly due to poor planning.
He is known chiefly for his poetry.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Their diet consisted ____ of grains, beans, and vegetables from the garden.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The book is ____ about the history of the ancient Greek empire city.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English chefly; equivalent to chief + -ly (adverbial suffix).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"But questions presisted^([sic]), chiefly because of the acknowledged and continuing Federal investigation of Mr. Mandel's wealthy friends, W. Dale Hess and Harry W. Rogers 3d, who have profited from business with the state."
— 1975 July 7, Ben A. Franklin, “MANDEL INQUIRY STIRS MARYLAND”, in The New York Times:
"The maintenance of a perpetual fire came to be associated with chiefly or royal dignity."
— 1890, James George Frazer, The Golden Bough, volume 2, page 261:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Their diet consisted ____ of grains, beans, and vegetables from the garden.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The book is ____ about the history of the ancient Greek empire city.