Primarily: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you want to indicate the main purpose or most important element of something.

• She is primarily responsible for the project's success.
• The course is primarily designed for beginners.

Used when emphasizing the main or leading factor among several others, often in formal writing.

• The disease affects primarily the lungs, but chiefly the upper parts.
• Her interests are chiefly in the field of molecular biology.

Used when something is true or happens most of the time, but not exclusively; it's common in casual or spoken language.

• The festival is mainly for local artists.
• They mainly sell electronic gadgets.

Used when pointing out the main reason or component, often in academic writing or formal speeches.

• The project was principally funded by the government.
• The issues were principally related to communication gaps.

Used to emphasize the main purpose or most important aspect of something.

• The project was primarily designed to improve efficiency
• He is primarily concerned with the budget

Refers to the very beginning of a process or situation; used when describing how things were before any changes happened.

• Initially, the company struggled to make a profit
• He was initially hesitant to join the team

Indicates the initial stage or the beginning of a situation; often used when describing a change that occurred later.

• At first, the task seemed impossible
• She didn't like the new job at first