01
überwiegend
predominantly
For the most part; mainly or chiefly.
example
Die Teilnehmer der Konferenz waren überwiegend Wissenschaftler.
The participants at the conference were predominantly scientists.
überwiegend
predominantly
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Überwiegend' (predominantly) is the present participle of the verb 'überwiegen'. This verb means 'to weigh more heavily' or 'to dominate'. So 'überwiegend' literally means 'having the most weight'.
EXAMPLE
Die Vorteile dieser Methode überwiegen deutlich.
The advantages of this method clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
Sentence structure and use
Most of the time, 'überwiegend' (predominantly) is used as an adverb and then remains unchanged in the sentence. Less commonly, it is used as an adjective before a noun and then has to be declined.
EXAMPLE
Das Publikum bestand überwiegend aus jungen Leuten.
The audience consisted predominantly of young people.
Register and style
The word 'überwiegend' (predominantly) belongs more to written language and factual contexts. It is often found in reports, news, or academic texts to describe a main tendency.
EXAMPLE
Die Exporte bestehen überwiegend aus Maschinen und Fahrzeugen.
The exports consist predominantly of machinery and vehicles.
Compare with
überwiegend vs meist
mostly / most
'meist' and 'überwiegend' both say that something is true in many cases or for the most part. 'meist' fits especially well when something happens often or is usually the case. It sounds everyday and natural for habits. 'überwiegend' puts stronger emphasis on the larger share of something, for example in a group, a material, or an opinion. Learners may confuse the words because both express 'for the most part'. As a simple guide: for habits, you often use 'meist'; for proportions or composition, 'überwiegend' is more likely.
überwiegend
In diesem Kurs sprechen die Teilnehmer überwiegend Deutsch.
In this course, the participants speak predominantly German.
meist
Nach der Arbeit gehe ich meist direkt nach Hause.
After work, I usually go straight home.
In real life
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