Primarily vs. Mostly — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
Primarily emphasizes being chiefly or mainly something; mostly denotes being largely or for the most part something.
Difference Between Primarily and Mostly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Primarily is used to indicate that something is mainly or chiefly the case. For example, in a sentence, it highlights the primary purpose or element. Whereas mostly suggests that something is largely true but allows for more exceptions or variations.
When you say something is primarily blue, it suggests that blue is the dominant color, almost to the exclusion of others. On the other hand, if something is mostly blue, it implies that while blue is the predominant color, there are significant portions of other colors too.
Primarily can also suggest a focus on importance or priority, indicating that something is of first importance. Whereas mostly relates more to the quantity or the majority, focusing less on the aspect of priority and more on prevalence.
In academic writing, primarily is often used to denote the main argument or focus of a discussion. In contrast, mostly might be used to describe the general trend or commonality in the data being discussed.
In everyday language, primarily might come across as slightly more formal or specific than mostly, which is more colloquial and general in usage.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Mainly, chiefly
Largely, for the most part
Usage in Sentence
Specifies main purpose or element
Specifies the largest part, not necessarily exclusive
Connotation
Focus on importance or priority
Focus on quantity or majority
Formality
More formal, specific
Less formal, more general
Compare with Definitions
Primarily
Of first importance.
The project's primarily concern is safety.
Mostly
Largely or for the most part.
The attendees were mostly young professionals.
Primarily
First or fundamentally.
This law primarily affects the manufacturing sector.
Mostly
Frequently.
He is mostly found at the library.
Primarily
Essentially.
The novel is primarily a love story.
Mostly
Predominantly.
The population in this region is mostly rural.
Primarily
Mainly or chiefly.
The organization deals primarily with homelessness.
Mostly
Mainly, with some exceptions.
The landscape is mostly desert.
Primarily
Principally.
The meeting is held primarily to discuss the budget.
Mostly
Generally.
The comments were mostly positive.
Primarily
For the most part; mainly
Around 80 per cent of personal computers are used primarily for word processing
Mostly
For the greatest part; mainly.
Primarily
Chiefly; mainly
A scholastic program primarily for seniors.
A primarily middle-class neighborhood.
Mostly
Generally; usually.
Primarily
At first; originally.
Mostly
Mainly or chiefly; for the most part; usually, generally, on the whole.
They're mostly good people, although they have made a few mistakes.
Primarily
(focus) Of a primary or central nature, first and foremost
Mostly
(obsolete) To the greatest extent; most.
Primarily
In a primary manner; in the first place; in the first place; in the first intention; originally.
Mostly
For the greatest part; for the most part; chiefly; in the main.
Primarily
For the most part;
He is mainly interested in butterflies
Mostly
In large part; mainly or chiefly;
These accounts are largely inactive
Primarily
Of primary import;
This is primarily a question of economics
It was in the first place a local matter
Mostly
Usually; as a rule;
By and large it doesn't rain much here
Common Curiosities
What are examples of sentences using primarily?
"The fund is primarily intended for research."
How does mostly differ from primarily in usage?
Mostly refers to the majority but allows for more exceptions than primarily.
What does primarily mean?
Primarily means mainly or chiefly.
What kind of emphasis does primarily add to a sentence?
It adds an emphasis on priority or primary importance.
What are examples of sentences using mostly?
"The group was mostly students."
Is primarily used in legal texts?
Yes, it's often used to specify the main intention or focus.
Do primarily and mostly have the same root in language?
No, they come from different linguistic roots with primarily deriving from 'primary'.
Can primarily and mostly be used interchangeably?
They can sometimes be used interchangeably, but primarily often implies a greater degree of focus or importance.
How does the audience perceive the difference between primarily and mostly?
Primarily might be seen as more targeted or specific, while mostly is viewed as broader and less definitive.
Is primarily more formal than mostly?
Yes, primarily is generally more formal and specific than mostly.
How should I choose between using primarily and mostly in academic writing?
Use primarily when emphasizing the main point or priority, and mostly for general trends or majorities.
Is mostly a quantitative or qualitative descriptor?
Mostly is more quantitative, focusing on the amount or majority.
Can I use mostly when referring to opinions?
Yes, e.g., "The reviews were mostly favorable."
How can mostly be misinterpreted in a sentence?
It can be seen as less absolute and more approximate.
Is there a scenario where primarily cannot replace mostly?
Yes, in cases where the general majority is referred to without implying primary importance.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
