Secondary: meaning, definitions and examples
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secondary
[ˈsɛkənˌdɛri ]
Definitions
education
Of or relating to education in schools for students above elementary level; belonging to the second stage of education.
Synonyms
high school, intermediate, senior.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| secondary |
Appropriate for referring to education that comes after primary school and before higher education; can be used in formal and official contexts. May indicate something second in importance or coming after the first.
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| high school |
Commonly used in the context of the American education system; refers to the school attended by teenagers, typically ranging from grades 9 through 12.
|
| intermediate |
Suitable when referring to a middle level between basic and advanced, especially in education and skill levels; can also mean something that is in between two stages.
|
| senior |
Often used to refer to the final year of high school or college; can also mean someone who is older or higher in rank or experience.
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Examples of usage
- Secondary education is important for students to prepare for higher education.
- She teaches secondary school students math and science.
anatomy
One of the permanent teeth, in the front or on the sides, that are positioned immediately behind the primary teeth.
Synonyms
adult tooth, permanent tooth.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| secondary |
In the context of dentistry, 'secondary' might be used to describe secondary teeth, which are the adult or permanent teeth, but it's not the usual term. The word is more general and can be unclear.
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| permanent tooth |
Often used in medical or dental contexts to describe the teeth that remain from childhood into adulthood. It's more precise and scientific compared to 'adult tooth'.
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| adult tooth |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe the teeth that replace primary (baby) teeth. Suitable for informal conversation or when simplifying explanations for children.
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Examples of usage
- The dentist explained that her daughter's secondary teeth would start coming in soon.
- He lost his last primary tooth and was excited for his secondary teeth to grow in.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'secundarius', meaning 'second' or 'of the second rank'.
- In historical texts, 'secondary' has been used since the 14th century to denote the second level in different contexts.
Education
- The term often refers to 'secondary education', which includes middle and high school, usually for students aged 11 to 18.
- Secondary education plays a crucial role in preparing individuals for higher education or vocational training.
Science
- In chemistry, a 'secondary alcohol' has the hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon that is connected to two other carbons, indicating its position in molecular structure.
- Secondary waves, or S-waves, are a type of seismic wave that arrives after primary waves during an earthquake, showcasing how they are of a lower rank in speed.
Pop Culture
- In many films, secondary characters provides humor or wisdom that supports the main character’s journey, making the story richer.
- Songs often have a secondary verse that complements the main message, adding depth to the overall theme.
Psychology
- Secondary emotions, such as shame or pride, emerge from our primary feelings, adding complexity to our emotional responses.
- In social hierarchies, secondary roles often provide support to primary leaders, helping to maintain group dynamics.
Translations
Translations of the word "secondary" in other languages:
🇵🇹 secundário
🇮🇳 माध्यमिक
🇩🇪 sekundär
🇮🇩 sekunder
🇺🇦 вторинний
🇵🇱 wtórny
🇯🇵 中等の
🇫🇷 secondaire
🇪🇸 secundario
🇹🇷 ikincil
🇰🇷 부차적인
🇸🇦 ثانوي
🇨🇿 sekundární
🇸🇰 sekundárny
🇨🇳 次要的
🇸🇮 sekundarni
🇮🇸 aukalega
🇰🇿 екіншілік
🇬🇪 მეორეული
🇦🇿 ikinci
🇲🇽 secundario