vornehmlich
Translation
primarily, mainly, chiefly, especially
Examples
Er liest vornehmlich historische Romane.
He primarily reads historical novels.
Die Kritik richtet sich vornehmlich gegen die Regierung.
The criticism is aimed primarily at the government.
Grammar Patterns
vornehmlich + ((verb)) primarily does sth. He primarily reads crime novels. Er liest vornehmlich Krimis.
((verb)) + vornehmlich + ((sth.)) does sth. primarily He reads crime novels primarily. Er liest vornehmlich Krimis.
Similar Words
Synonyms: mainly, primarily, chiefly; Antonyms: incidentally, secondarily
Etymology
Formed from the adjective 'vornehm' (noble) plus the adverbial suffix '-lich'. It conveys the idea of something being primary or 'noble' in rank.
Memory Tips
Think of it as the adverb form of 'vornehm'. What is the most 'distinguished' or primary reason? That's what 'vornehmlich' points to.