Main meaning in English
Learn how to use Main correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
main: principal, chief, prime, major, central, dominant, primary
Our main problem is our competition. Our other problems are trivial in comparison.
The main characters in this play are all men. The supporting cast are a mix of men and women.
the main event the most important event, the big spectacle, the highlight
Examples
- "I would like the main bedroom to have direct access to the bathroom and plenty of storage space."
- "Here we are in the main gallery space where-"
- "A lack of leisure facilities has been suggested as being one of the main causes."
- "Received message on main terminal about reinstalling a missing driver, xj3000."
- "And now, without further ado, I'd like to present tonight's main event, our expert camel panel, who will answer all your questions about our favorite mammal, the camel."
- "What advice would you give to your main competitor, Kalvin Krime?"
- "Lucy : Okay, you see, in the film, perfume plays a central role in the main character's life."
- "The samba schools compete to win the main prize."
- "Later on in the year, the main event comes to France, yes that's right, the World Cup of rugby."
- "Captain Donny Dare : Good, the main thing is to stay in the middle of the air."
- "The main thing is that we get results."
- "This is the main advantage of Stickypedia: the fact that content is constantly being updated means that only the best, truest information survives."
- "There are 5 main steps to becoming a better leader."
- "My main concern is... how to say it?"
- "It's one of the main reasons why I go to see these matches, to get a better look at those muscles."
- "And now, without further ado, I'd like to present tonight's main event - our expert camel panel, who will answer all your questions about our favorite mammal, the camel."
- "Susan : Does the main character make perfumes for a living?"
- "Susie : And finally, the main reason why no one ever responds to your advertising: there's no phone number!"
- "On my way into the office the other day I noticed an old bicycle just outside the main entrance to the Treasure Trove Towers."
Exercise 1
Susie says, "the main reason why no one ever responds to your advertising..."
Which term could replace "main" here?
Which term could replace "main" here?
Susie says, "the main reason why no one ever responds to your advertising..."
Which term could replace "main" here?
Which term could replace "main" here?
This is correct. The term "main" is a close synonym of "principal" or "chief". Example: The Delavigne Corporation's MAIN office is in San Francisco or His MAIN problem is his inability to speak Spanish. In the dialogue, Susie thinks that the advert's lack of telephone number is the main (or most important) reason why no one responds to Edward's advertising.
This is incorrect. The term "main" is not synonymous with "probable".
This is incorrect. The term "main" is not synonymous with "obvious".
This is incorrect. The term "main" is not synonymous with "only".
Exercise 2
Susie says, "the main reason why no one ever responds to your advertising..."
Which term could replace "main" here?
Which term could replace "main" here?
Susie says, "the main reason why no one ever responds to your advertising..."
Which term could replace "main" here?
Which term could replace "main" here?
This is correct. The term "main" is a close synonym of "principal" or "chief". Example: The Delavigne Corporation's MAIN office is in San Francisco or His MAIN problem is his inability to speak Spanish. In the dialogue, Susie thinks that the advert's lack of telephone number is the main (or most important) reason why no one responds to Edward's advertising.
This is incorrect. The term "main" is not synonymous with "probable".
This is incorrect. The term "main" is not synonymous with "obvious".
This is incorrect. The term "main" is not synonymous with "only".
Exercise 3
Fill in the blanks with terms from the conversation!
Jean asks Hannah for "seasoning" that will add flavor to his course (the principal dish before dessert).
Hannah gives Jean the following seasonings:
- A white powder that comes from the sea called .
- A spicy brown, grey or black powder called .
- A hot, yellow sauce called .
Jean uses one phrase to ask Hannah for these items. What is it?
the X, please? (4 words)
Jean asks Hannah for "seasoning" that will add flavor to his course (the principal dish before dessert).
Hannah gives Jean the following seasonings:
- A white powder that comes from the sea called .
- A spicy brown, grey or black powder called .
- A hot, yellow sauce called .
Jean uses one phrase to ask Hannah for these items. What is it?
the X, please? (4 words)
Fill in the blanks with terms from the conversation!
Jean asks Hannah for "seasoning" that will add flavor to his [not done] main 1 course (the principal dish before dessert).
Hannah gives Jean the following seasonings:
- A white powder that comes from the sea called [not done] salt 2.
- A spicy brown, grey or black powder called [not done] pepper 3.
- A hot, yellow sauce called [not done] mustard 4.
Jean uses one phrase to ask Hannah for these items. What is it?
[not done] Could you pass me 5 the X, please? (4 words)
Jean asks Hannah for "seasoning" that will add flavor to his [not done] main 1 course (the principal dish before dessert).
Hannah gives Jean the following seasonings:
- A white powder that comes from the sea called [not done] salt 2.
- A spicy brown, grey or black powder called [not done] pepper 3.
- A hot, yellow sauce called [not done] mustard 4.
Jean uses one phrase to ask Hannah for these items. What is it?
[not done] Could you pass me 5 the X, please? (4 words)
1 main: In a three course meal, the main course would be the second dish. Fish and chips, steak with green beans, pizza, stew, lasagna, and stuffed vegetables are all examples of main courses. In general, the term "main" means the largest in terms of size or importance. Example: The MAIN reason I didn't invite you to my party is that you slept with my wife.
2 salt: "Salt" comes from the sea and is used in cooking to add flavor to food. Example: I think McDoodles puts too much SALT on its fries. Tip: Don't use too much salt: it's bad for your heart!
3 pepper: "Pepper" and "salt" are the most commonly used condiments and can usually be found on the table in most restaurants. Example: Don't put too much PEPPER on your food or you'll ah... ah... ah... AHCHOO! Sneeze!
4 mustard: Mustard is a condiment made from mustard seeds. It has a very strong and distinctive flavor. It is often used in salad dressings.
5 Could you pass me: "Could you pass me the (salad/bread/wine/vodka/gun)" is the standard phrase for asking someone to pass you an item at the dinner table. It is short and polite - a bit like Jean!
Exercise 4
Pop quiz, hotshot!
Complete the sentences below with words from the broadcast.
-The Krona is the of Sweden.
-The winter temperature in Finland is 4.8 degrees Celsius.
- exports of Sweden include paper products and mobile phones.
-The goal of this quiz is to test Jonas' of Scandinavia.
Complete the sentences below with words from the broadcast.
-The Krona is the of Sweden.
-The winter temperature in Finland is 4.8 degrees Celsius.
- exports of Sweden include paper products and mobile phones.
-The goal of this quiz is to test Jonas' of Scandinavia.
Pop quiz, hotshot!
Complete the sentences below with words from the broadcast.
-The Krona is the currency 1 of Sweden.
-The average 2 winter temperature in Finland is 4.8 degrees Celsius.
-Major 3 exports of Sweden include paper products and mobile phones.
-The goal of this quiz is to test Jonas' [not done] knowledge 4 of Scandinavia.
Complete the sentences below with words from the broadcast.
-The Krona is the currency 1 of Sweden.
-The average 2 winter temperature in Finland is 4.8 degrees Celsius.
-Major 3 exports of Sweden include paper products and mobile phones.
-The goal of this quiz is to test Jonas' [not done] knowledge 4 of Scandinavia.
1 currency: "Currency" describes the money or denomination of money used by a particular country. For example, the currency of many European countries is the Euro (or Europe), the currency of the United States is the US dollar (USD) etc. In this broadcast, Jonas informs us that the currency of Sweden is the Swedish Krona.
2 average: The "average (temperature)" describes the typical or usual temperature of a region or place. The average winter temperature in Finland is 4.8 degrees celsius, according to Jonas. Note that "average" can mean something "typical" or "usual", as in: He's of average height, or she is our average customer, or it can correspond to a specific number (also called the 'mean): The average of 9 and 1 is 5, or the average age of our clients is 33 years old.
3 Major: "Major" means "large", "great" or significant in this context. "Major" and "minor" describes things of greater and lesser importance. We often talk about the "major exports" of a country to describe their principal or main exports.
4 knowledge: "Knowledge" describes "understanding", "information" or "familiarity (with a topic)". For example: A knowledge of basic accounting is necessary for a job in the finance department. In this broadcast, Brent is testing Jonas on his "knowledge" or understanding about Scandinavia.
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