mainly
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mainly
Expresses that something applies mainly, for the most part, or in the majority of cases. Synonyms are 'überwiegend' (predominantly) or 'hauptsächlich' (mainly).
In dieser Region wird vorwiegend Wein angebaut.
In this region, mainly wine is grown.
The word consists of 'vor' and 'wiegend' (from 'wiegen', to weigh). So it literally describes something that 'weighs more' than other parts or aspects and therefore dominates.
Die Vorteile dieser Methode wiegen vor.
The advantages of this method prevail.
'Vorwiegend' (mainly) is almost always used as an adverb and is not declined before a noun. It usually appears in the middle of a sentence and describes how or to what extent something happens.
Wir haben im Urlaub vorwiegend am Strand gelegen.
On vacation, we mainly lay on the beach.
'Vorwiegend' (mainly) belongs more to written language and is often used in reports, news, or factual descriptions to present facts.
Die Wirtschaft des Landes basiert vorwiegend auf dem Tourismus.
The country's economy is based mainly on tourism.
exclusively
'ausschließlich' and 'vorwiegend' both limit a statement, but they do so to different degrees. 'ausschließlich' means that truly only the thing mentioned applies, and nothing else is included. 'vorwiegend' means that something mainly applies, but other things are still possible. Learners may confuse the words because both seem like a restriction. The difference is important: 'ausschließlich' is one hundred percent; 'vorwiegend' is only the largest part.
In dieser Gegend wohnen vorwiegend Familien mit kleinen Kindern.
In this area, mainly families with small children live.
Frau Schneider nimmt heute ausschließlich Termine mit vorheriger Anmeldung an.
Today, Ms. Schneider is only accepting appointments with prior registration.