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 hauptsächlich
mainly
Hauptsächlich and überwiegend both indicate that something makes up the largest or most important part. Hauptsächlich tends to emphasize the focus, whereas überwiegend points more strongly to an actually large numerical share. Use hauptsächlich for the focus and überwiegend when there is a clear majority.
überwiegend
Der Kurs wird überwiegend von Berufstätigen besucht, die fast drei Viertel der Teilnehmenden ausmachen.
The course is attended predominantly by working professionals, who make up almost three quarters of the participants.
hauptsächlich
Der Kurs wird hauptsächlich von Berufstätigen besucht, richtet sich aber auch an Studierende.
The course is attended mainly by working professionals, but it is also open to students.
In real life
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