C1adverb2K

Predominantly

UK /["/prɪˈdɒmɪnəntli/","/prɪˈdɒmɪnətli/"]/US /["/prɪˈdɑːmɪnəntli/","/prɪˈdɑːmɪnətli/"]/

Definition

mostly; mainly

In simple words: Mainly or mostly.

Examples

  • She works in a predominantly male environment.
  • Local trade unionism was predominantly, though not exclusively, that of skilled workers.
  • Ours is a predominantly Buddhist country.
  • The cattle are predominantly black.
  • The country's economy remains predominantly agricultural.
  • The firm has a predominantly female workforce.
  • The school is in a predominantly middle-class area.
  • The test shows whether you are predominantly left-brained or right-brained.

Usage notes

Use 'predominantly' to emphasize that something is mostly true in a certain context. It's suitable in both spoken and written language, especially in academic or formal settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'predominantly' as 'pre-do-minantly', since it refers to something that happens before doing something else.

Collocations

  • predominantly white
  • predominantly used
  • predominantly found

Synonyms

  • mainly
  • chiefly
  • largely
  • primarily
  • mostly

Antonyms

  • minimally
  • seldomly

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'predominant' which is an adjective.
  • Using in informal contexts where simpler words like 'mainly' are more suitable.