main

CEFRA2

/meɪn/

adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Most important, largest, or central.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Extra detail

    Chief, most important, or principal in extent, size, or strength; consisting of the largest part.

Examples

  • Hard work is the main element of success.

  • What is the main purpose of your studying English?

At a glance

Sits at A2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
1

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings

  1. Full, sheer, undivided.

  2. Of chief or leading importance; prime, principal.

  3. Belonging to or connected with the principal mast in a vessel.

More examples

In context

  • Be careful crossing the main road.

  • The main office is actually one of the smaller rooms.

  • main branch of a river

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The blank reason for the afternoon meeting was to discuss budget cuts.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

From Middle English mayn, main, maine, mæin, meyn, from main (noun) (see further at etymology 2); compare Old English mæġen (“strong, main, principal”) (used in combination) and Old Norse megn, megenn (“strong, main”). The word is cognate with Old High German megīn (“strong, mighty”) (modern German Möge, Vermögen (“power, wealth”)), and also akin to Old English magan (“to be able to”). See also may.