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.
mainly
Hauptsächlich and vorwiegend can both refer to the dominant part of something. Hauptsächlich tends to emphasize the central focus, while vorwiegend tends to emphasize numerical predominance or the majority of cases. Both are possible in many everyday sentences; the nuance determines which is more appropriate.
Die Ausstellung wird vorwiegend von Familien besucht, die dort den größten Teil des Publikums bilden.
The exhibition is attended mainly by families, who make up most of the audience there.
Die Ausstellung richtet sich hauptsächlich an Familien, ist aber für alle Besucher offen.
The exhibition is aimed mainly at families, but it is open to all visitors.
