different between gainly vs mainly

English

Etymology

From Middle English gaynly, ge??nlike, geynliche, equivalent to gain (“straight, direct, convenient, favourable, kindly”, adjective) +? -ly (adverbial/adjectival suffix).

Adverb

gainly (comparative gainlier or more gainly, superlative gainliest or most gainly)

1. Suitably; fitly; conveniently; readily.
2. Thoroughly; completely; (with adjectives) very.

Adjective

gainly (comparative gainlier or more gainly, superlative gainliest or most gainly)

1. (Britain dialectal) Proper; suitable; becoming.
2. (archaic) Ready to help; kindly; gracious.
3. (of conduct) Graceful; tactful
4. (of bodily form, attitude, or movement) Shapely; handsome.

Antonyms

• ungainly

Derived terms

• gainliness

Anagrams

• Ayling, laying

English

Etymology

From Middle English maynly; equivalent to main +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?me?nli/

Adverb

mainly (not comparable)

1. (obsolete) Forcefully, vigorously. [13th-17th c.]
2. (obsolete) Of the production of a sound: loudly, powerfully. [14th-19th c.]
3. (obsolete) To a great degree; very much. [15th-19th c.]
4. Chiefly; for the most part. [from 17th c.]

Synonyms

• (forcefully): energetically, powerfully, strongly
• (loudly): earsplittingly, lustily, raucously, thunderously
• (to a great degree): a lot, extremely
• (for the most part): in the main, principally; see also Thesaurus:mostly

Translations

See also

• amain

Anagrams

• Milyan, aminyl, amylin

Middle English

Adverb

mainly

1. Alternative form of maynly