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principalement

mainly, primarily

adverb pran-see-pal-MAHN Rare

Usage Note

Principalement is derived from principal and is a formal adverb used to single out the main element in a set. It is largely interchangeable with surtout and avant tout, but sounds slightly more measured and analytical. It appears frequently in written French — reports, journalism, and academic prose — rather than casual speech.

Examples

"Il travaille principalement le matin."

Natural Translation

He works mainly in the morning.

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