noun
central meaning; main idea; gist
Refers to the core point or essential meaning of a text, statement, or argument. Somewhat formal and often used in analytical or explanatory contexts.
この文章の主意をまとめてください。
Please summarize the main idea of this passage.
彼の演説の主意は、環境保護の重要性だった。
The central meaning of his speech was the importance of environmental protection.
noun
prioritizing of will; voluntarism
Philosophical term, often used in the context of 主意主義 (voluntarism), emphasizing the primacy of will over reason or emotion. Rare outside academic or historical discussions.
See also: 主意主義
主意主義は、意志を理性より重視する立場です。
Voluntarism is a position that prioritizes will over reason.
noun
one's lord's will; master's intention
Archaic or historical usage referring to the will or intention of one's feudal lord or master. Not used in modern everyday Japanese.
家臣は主君の主意に従わねばならなかった。
The vassals had to obey their lord's will.
The word 主意 is composed of 主 (main, principal) and 意 (mind, meaning, intention). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally yields the sense of 'principal meaning' or 'main intention'. The philosophical sense 'prioritizing of will' is a specialized extension, and the archaic sense 'lord's will' reflects a feudal context.