English · Culture & Society
main-idea
/meɪn aɪˈdɪə/
[/meɪn aɪˈdɪə/]
the most important point
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The main idea is the most important point that a paragraph or text is about. Finding the main idea helps with comprehension.
Example
What is the main idea of this passage?
What is the main idea of this passage?
Etymology
From 'main' (chief) plus 'idea', from Greek 'idea'.
How & Where It’s Used
A key reading-comprehension skill.