Primarily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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primarily

[หˆpraษชmษ™rษชli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in the first place

chiefly; mainly; principally

Synonyms

chiefly, mainly, principally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
primarily

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.
chiefly

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.
mainly

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.
principally

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.

Examples of usage

  • The company is primarily focused on sustainability.
  • She is primarily responsible for the project.
Context #2 | Adverb

originally

initially; at first

Synonyms

at first, initially.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
primarily

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
initially

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
at first

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

Examples of usage

  • The idea primarily came from her.
  • The product was primarily designed for children.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Grammar

  • In English, 'primarily' is an adverb and modifies verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs to indicate the primary aspect being discussed.
  • It can often answer the question 'why' and help clarify the main purpose in a sentence.

Usage in Communication

  • In professional contexts, using 'primarily' can help clarify focus, especially in reports or presentations where priorities are discussed.
  • Itโ€™s common in comparative statements to emphasize the distinction between more than one important factor.

Pop Culture

  • The term is frequently used in discussions about various topics, such as environmental issues, where policy decisions are often labeled in terms of priorities.
  • Music critics often describe genres, saying a band's sound is 'primarily' influenced by one style or another.

Origin of 'primarily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'primarily' comes from the Latin word 'primarius', meaning 'first' or 'of the first importance'.
  • The prefix 'pri-' indicates that it relates to something being 'first' or 'principal', anchoring its meaning over centuries.

The word 'primarily' originated from the Latin word 'primarius', meaning 'of the first rank' or 'principal'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to indicate something that is of primary importance or significance.


Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,599, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.