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
- Forcefully, vigorously; Of the production of a...
Ancestry of “mainly”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | Middle English | maynly | Bravely, mightily, daringly; with honor;... |
| 2 | Middle English | mayn | Strongness or physical capability; Governmental... |
| 3 | Old English | mæġen | might, main; strength |
| 4 | Proto-Germanic | maginą | ability, power, might, main |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | mēgh- | to be able |