primarily
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primarily
Means mainly, first and foremost, or above all. It is used to emphasize the most important aspect or part of something.
Die Stiftung unterstützt vornehmlich Projekte für Kinder und Jugendliche.
The foundation primarily supports projects for children and young people.
'Vornehmlich' (primarily) belongs to elevated or formal language. It is used more often in written texts, reports, or formal speeches.
Die Forschung konzentriert sich vornehmlich auf erneuerbare Energien.
The research focuses primarily on renewable energy.
As an adverb, 'vornehmlich' (primarily) can stand in position 1, which leads to inversion (verb in position 2). But it can also be placed after the verb within the sentence.
Vornehmlich ältere Menschen nutzen diesen Service.
Primarily older people use this service.
The word is a derivation of 'vornehm' (distinguished/elegant). The original meaning of 'vornehm' was 'that which one takes first' (vor-nehmen). This idea of the 'first' or 'most important' is also contained in 'vornehmlich' (primarily).
Er liest vornehmlich historische Romane.
He primarily reads historical novels.
mainly
Hauptsächlich and vornehmlich can both highlight the most important part of something. Hauptsächlich is neutral and very common in everyday language, while vornehmlich usually sounds more elevated and formal. Use hauptsächlich in ordinary conversations and vornehmlich mainly in formal texts.
Das Museum wird vornehmlich von Schulklassen besucht.
The museum is primarily visited by school groups.
Das Museum wird hauptsächlich von Schulklassen besucht.
The museum is mainly visited by school groups.
