main
A1Neutral (used in all registers from casual to formal)
Definition
Meaning
The largest, most important, or most significant part of something.
Denoting a central system, line, or point that others connect to or depend on; a primary artery, pipe, or cable; the central or essential element in an argument or narrative; the open sea (in poetic or archaic use).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a noun (countable) or attributive adjective. As an adjective, it modifies nouns and does not typically function predictively (e.g., 'The road is main' is rare/archaic). The sense of 'main' as a noun (e.g., water main) is a specific technical extension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'the mains' (plural) often refers to the domestic electricity or gas supply ('plug into the mains'). In the US, 'mains' for electricity is less common; 'outlet' or 'power grid' is typical. In plumbing/utilities, 'main' is used similarly in both.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
The attributive adjective use ('main reason', 'main road') is equally frequent in both varieties. The noun use for utilities ('gas main') is slightly more common in British English phrasing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[the] + main + NOUN (attributive adjective)[the] + main + OF + [something] (noun)IN + the + main (idiom = mostly)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the main (mostly)”
- “might and main (with all one's strength - archaic)”
- “the main chance (opportunity for personal gain)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in strategy and reporting: 'Our main competitor', 'the main findings of the report'.
Academic
Used to structure arguments: 'the main hypothesis', 'the main body of the text'.
Everyday
Very common in daily conversation: 'What's the main problem?', 'Turn off the main water valve.'
Technical
In engineering/utilities: 'data main', 'sewer main', 'electrical main feeder'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Rare/obsolete) To maim or injure.
American English
- (Rare/obsolete) To maim or injure.
adverb
British English
- (Archaic/poetic) Very; mightily (e.g., 'main proud'). Not used in modern English.
American English
- (Archaic/poetic) Very; mightily. Not used in modern English.
adjective
British English
- The main railway line runs from London to Edinburgh.
- Her main concern was for the children's safety.
American English
- The main highway connects the two coasts.
- His main argument was based on recent data.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My house is on the main road.
- The main character in the story is a dog.
- Fish is the main course for dinner.
- The main reason for his success is hard work.
- A burst water main flooded the street.
- Let's discuss the main points of the plan.
- In the main, public opinion supports the new policy.
- The report's main thrust critiques current economic models.
- The gas main servicing the neighbourhood needs an upgrade.
- The mainstay of the local economy has shifted from manufacturing to services.
- He argued with might and main against the proposed development.
- Her thesis examines the main currents of 20th-century political thought.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a train's MAIN line – it's the most important route connecting major stations.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS SIZE (The main idea is the biggest idea). CENTRALITY IS FOUNDATION (The main argument supports the rest).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'майна' (a nautical command).
- The noun 'main' (utility pipe) is a false friend for Russian 'майна' (shaft, mine).
- Avoid overusing 'main' where 'general' or 'basic' (основной) might be more precise in context.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'main' as a predicative adjective (*'This point is main.'). Use 'is the main one' or 'is primary'.
- Confusing 'main' with 'mains' (electricity) in countable/uncountable usage.
- Overusing 'main' instead of more specific synonyms like 'primary', 'central', or 'key'.
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'in the main', what does 'main' most closely mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'main' is a non-gradable (absolute) adjective. Use 'the main reason' or 'the single most important reason'. You cannot say 'more main' or 'most main'.
'Main' suggests primary importance in a hierarchy or system ('the main office'). 'Major' suggests greater size, importance, or seriousness relative to others, often in a comparative sense ('a major city', 'a major problem'). They are often interchangeable, but 'main' is more absolute.
Primarily, yes, as an attributive adjective ('the main door'). Its use as a predicate adjective ('The door is main.') is archaic/incorrect. It also functions as a noun ('The water main burst').
It commonly refers to the public supply of electricity, gas, or water, especially as distinct from batteries or tanks. E.g., 'Is your cooker electric or mains gas?', 'The radio runs on batteries or mains.'
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