in the main

in the main
adverb
1. for the most part
-

he is mainly interested in butterflies

Syn: ↑chiefly, ↑principally, ↑primarily, ↑mainly
Derived from adjective: ↑primary (for: ↑primarily), ↑principal (for: ↑principally), ↑chief (for: ↑chiefly)
2. without distinction of one from others
-

he is interested in snakes in general

Syn: ↑generally, ↑in general
Ant: ↑specifically (for: ↑generally)
Derived from adjective: ↑general (for: ↑generally)

* * *

in the main
1. For the most part
2. On the whole
• • •
Main Entry:main

* * *

in the main phrase
mostly

The response, in the main, has been quite positive.

Thesaurus: mainlysynonym
Main entry: main

* * *

* * *

in the main
— used to say that a statement is true in most cases or at most times

The workers are in the main very capable. [=most of the workers are very capable]

The weather has in the main been quite good. [=has been quite good most of the time]

• • •
Main Entry:main

* * *

in the ˈmain idiom
used to say that a statement is true in most cases

The service here is, in the main, reliable.

In the main, the money raised goes to children's charities.

Main entry:mainidiom

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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