英和和英

語源 1

From 中期英語 chefly; equivalent to chief +‎ -ly (adverbial suffix).

副詞

chiefly (comparative more chiefly, superlative most chiefly)

1. (focus) Especially or primarily; above all.

   Their relationship is chiefly professional.

   This is a term chiefly used by online gamers.

   • 1975 July 7, Ben A. Franklin, “MANDEL INQUIRY STIRS MARYLAND”, in The New York Times‎:

     But questions presisted, 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.

2. (focus) Mainly or principally; almost entirely.

同意語

• (above all): first and foremost, particularly; see also Thesaurus:above all
• (almost entirely): by and large, for the most part, largely; see also Thesaurus:mostly

語源 2

From chief +‎ -ly (adjectival suffix). Piecewise doublet of chefly and headly.

形容詞

chiefly (comparative chieflier, superlative chiefliest)

1. Of or relating to a chief.
   • 1890, James George Frazer, The Golden Bough, volume 2, page 261:

     The maintenance of a perpetual fire came to be associated with chiefly or royal dignity.

派生語