Predominantly

Definition

Predominantly refers to being the main element or aspect among others; mainly or for the most part.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb: predominantly

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈdɑmɪnəntli/
• Respelling: prih-DOM-ih-nənt-lee (with "prih" as in "prism," "DOM" as in "dominant," "ih" as a softer "i," "nənt" as in "elephant," and "lee" as in "freely")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈdɒmɪnəntli/
• Respelling: prih-DOM-ih-nənt-lee (similar to American English, with "prih" as in "prism," "DOM" as in "dominant," "ih" a softer "i," "nənt" as in "elephant," and "lee" as in "freely")

In both dialects, "predominantly" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "DOM." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "DOM" part.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective "predominant," which originates from the Medieval Latin word "praedominant-", the present participle of "praedominari," meaning "to predominate". "Praedominari" itself is formed from "prae-" (meaning "before") and "dominari" (meaning "to rule").

Derivatives

• Predominate
• Predomination
• Predominance
• Predominant
• Predominator

Synonyms

• Mainly
• Primarily
• Largely

Antonyms

• Rarely
• Infrequently
• Occasionally

Usage

"Predominantly" is often used to emphasize that a particular thing is the most noticeable or important among others. For instance, one might say that a certain area is "predominantly urban" or that a team is "predominantly made up of veterans".

Related Terms

• Majority
• Chiefly
• Mostly
• Overall
• Essentially

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• For the most part; mainly or chiefly.
• Example: "The area is predominantly agricultural."

• In a way that has power or control over others.
• Example: "A culture where one group acts predominantly over the others."

• In a manner that stands out more than others; notably.
• Example: "The colors used were predominantly bright and vivid."