Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
adverb
- primarily; essentially: He phoned chiefly to let us know he was feeling better.
- mainly; mostly: This dish consists chiefly of noodles.
adjective
- of, relating to, or like a chief: his chiefly responsibilities.
adverb
- especially or essentially; above all
- in general; mainly; mostly
adjective
- of or relating to a chief or chieftain
“pre-eminently,” mid-14c., from chief + -ly (2). Adjectival meaning “pertaining to a chief” is from 1870 (from -ly (1)).