専ら

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 専ら is read as もっぱら and is an adverb meaning solely or mainly when an activity or use is concentrated in one area.
• Basic usage: Concentration on an activity appears in 専ら家で絵を描く, while a dedicated use appears in 専ら資料の保管に使う.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Degree of concentration
  • Depending on context, it can range from solely, with almost everything else excluded, to mainly, with one activity accounting for most of the use.
• Difference from 主に
  • 主に neutrally identifies the main item, while 専ら more strongly suggests concentration on one activity or purpose and has a somewhat literary tone.