Where does “mainly” come from?

Mainly derives from Middle English maynly, composed of Middle English -ly (from Old English -līċ, from Proto-Germanic maginą meaning "strong" or "powerful," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European mony- and men- meaning "to think" or "to have in mind."

mainly (English): Forcefully, vigorously; Of the production of a...

Definitions

  1. Forcefully, vigorously; Of the production of a...

Ancestry of “mainly”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle EnglishmaynlyBravely, mightily, daringly; with honor;...
2Middle EnglishmaynStrongness or physical capability; Governmental...
3Old Englishmæġenmight, main; strength
4Proto-Germanicmaginąability, power, might, main
5Proto-Indo-Europeanmēgh-to be able
Every word from Proto-Indo-European mēgh- →Every word from Proto-Germanic maginą →Every word from Old English mæġen →