Hoofdzakelijk

Hoofdzakelijk is a Dutch adverb meaning mainly, primarily, or chiefly. It indicates that something constitutes the principal part or main focus of a situation, rather than the entirety. It is commonly used to describe the composition, contribution, or emphasis within a statement. The term often appears in formal or analytical writing and can modify verbs, nouns, or adjectives that describe what is being emphasized.

Etymology: The word is a compound of hoofd, meaning main or chief, and zakelijk, derived from zaak meaning matter or affair, with the suffix -elijk that forms adjectives and adverbs. Together they convey the sense of the “main matter” or “principal aspect,” giving rise to the meaning of primarily or chiefly.

Usage and examples: Hoofdzakelijk denotes a majority share rather than an absolute statement. It is similar to voornamelijk, but with a nuance that emphasizes the principal portion of something. Examples include: Het onderzoek was hoofdzakelijk gericht op waterkwaliteit. De omzet bestaat hoofdzakelijk uit servicecontracten. In English, the equivalent terms are primarily, mainly, and chiefly.

Relation to other terms: Hoofdzakelijk is often interchangeable with voornamelijk and vooral, though each carries subtle nuances. Hoofdzakelijk tends to stress the dominant part, while voornamelijk is a broader term for “mostly,” and vooral emphasizes a particularly notable element within a set.