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main

main

 
 
pronunciation:
meIn
parts of speech:
adjective, noun
phrases:
in the main
features:
Word Combinations (adjective, noun), Homophone Note
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: most important; chief; primary.
The students were asked to find the main ideas in the essay.We parked in front of the main entrance to the building.What was the main reason for this action?
synonyms:
biggest, capital, cardinal, chief, leading, paramount, predominant, premier, primary, prime, principal, supreme
antonyms:
minor, subsidiary
similar words:
central, critical, crucial, first, foremost, head, home, key, lead, master, preeminent, uppermost
definition 2: utmost.
It was not necessary to use main force in that arrest.
synonyms:
consummate, extreme, maximum, ultimate, utmost
similar words:
absolute, downright, flat-out, out-and-out, sheer, stark, supreme, utter
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the chief channel for distributing water or gas; large pipe or cable.
A water main burst, and the neighborhood will have no water for a few hours.
similar words:
canal, channel, conduit, duct, pipe
definition 2: the open sea.
The ship was lost in the briny main.
synonyms:
high seas, open sea
similar words:
ocean, sea, the blue, the briny
definition 3: bodily strength.
The soldier's might and main saw him through the battle.
synonyms:
brawn, might, muscle, puissance
similar words:
dynamism, energy, force, power, strength, vigor
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: in the main
Homophone Note
The words main, Maine, and mane sound alike but have different meanings.