main
Definitions
Chief; most important; principal.
主要的；最重要的
A principal pipe or cable carrying water, gas, or electricity.
总管道；干线
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedThe adjective 'main' (chief) is Germanic (Old English mægen, strength), a look-alike to the Latin manēre root of this family — flagged as same-spelling-different-origin.
Root main still carries 26 more wordsWhy It Means This
Caution: this everyday main ('main reason,' 'water main') is NOT from the root manēre. It comes from Old English mægen, meaning 'strength, power' — the same source as 'might.' The main thing was the strongest, most powerful thing. The root page lists this word because it shares the spelling main, but its origin is Germanic strength, not Latin 'stay.' A genuine false friend within the family.
Common Collocations
- 1.main reason主要原因
- 2.main character主要角色
- 3.main street主街
- 4.water main自来水总管
- 5.the main thing主要的事
Example Sentences
- 1.
The main entrance is on the north side of the building.
- 2.
A burst water main flooded the street.