Words / A2

MAYN/meɪn/

Main means the most important or the principal one: the main road, the main idea, main course (the largest part of a meal). Chief and major are close in some contexts; main is the everyday choice for “the big one.” Mainly is the adverb: mainly students. Do not use main after the noun (“the idea main”).

Meaning

Most important; the largest or principal one.

Examples

• “The main entrance is on the left.”
• “The main problem is the cost of tickets.”
• “Turn left at the main square.”

Good to know

the main + noun. Meal: main course. Adverb: mainly. Not after the noun.

Near in meaning

chief

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