primarily
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for primarily, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Mainly, or first and foremost.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use primarily
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From primary plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of primarily →Frequently asked questions
What does “primarily” mean?
The word “primarily” means mainly, or first and foremost. In plain terms, mostly, or above all else.
How do you pronounce “primarily”?
“Primarily” is pronounced PREYE-muh-ruh-lee (/pɹaɪˈmɛɹ.əli/ in IPA).
How do you use “primarily” in a sentence?
Here is “primarily” used in a sentence: “The course is primarily aimed at beginners.”
What part of speech is “primarily”?
“Primarily” is an adverb.
Is “primarily” a common word?
“Primarily” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between primarily and mainly?
The two are very close and often interchangeable, both meaning "for the most part." Primarily leans slightly toward "first and foremost" or "in the first place," stressing the leading reason or purpose. Mainly simply stresses the largest share. In everyday use you can usually swap one for the other.
Does primarily mean only?
No. Primarily means mainly or chiefly, leaving room for other, lesser factors. If a shop primarily sells books, books are its main trade, but it may also sell cards or coffee. Use "only," "solely," or "exclusively" when you mean something is the single, sole thing involved.
What is an example of primarily in a sentence?
"The museum is primarily funded by donations" means donations are the main source, though not necessarily the only one. Similarly, "she moved abroad primarily for work" signals that work was the leading reason among possibly several. It flags the chief factor while still allowing others.