Primarily

Definition

Primarily refers to "for the most part; chiefly."

Parts of Speech

• Adverb: primarily

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /praɪˈmɛrəli/
• Respelling: pry-MER-uh-lee (with "pry" as in "pry," "MER" as in "merit," and "uh-lee" as in "happily")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /praɪˈmɛərɪli/
• Respelling: pry-MAIR-uh-lee (with "pry" as in "pry," "MAIR" as in "air," and "uh-lee" as in "happily")

In both dialects, "primarily" is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, "MER" in American English and "MAIR" in British English. The pronunciation remains consistent across both versions, clearly articulating each part of the word with emphasis on the main stressed syllable.

Etymology

The term "primarily" is derived from the Late Latin word "primarius", meaning "first in order, chief, principal". This is combined with the adverbial suffix "-ly".

Derivatives

• Primary
• Primariness
• Primarilyness (rare)
• Prime
• Primality

Synonyms

• Mainly
• Chiefly
• Essentially

Antonyms

• Secondarily
• Incidentally
• Tertiarily (though rarely used)

Usage

"Primarily" is used to indicate that something is of chief importance or is the main reason for something.

Related Terms

• Predominantly
• Principally
• Fundamentally
• Largely
• Mostly

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• In the first place; most importantly.
• Example: "The event is primarily for scientists and researchers."

• For the most part; mainly.
• Example: "Our customers are primarily from the tech sector."