secondary
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for secondary, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Of lesser importance than something else; not primary.
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.
Antonyms
How to use secondary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
secondary school
secondary concern
secondary source
Etymology
From Latin "secundarius" ("of the second class"), from "secundus" ("second").
Full origin of secondary →Frequently asked questions
What does “secondary” mean?
The word “secondary” means of lesser importance than something else; not primary. In plain terms, second in rank or importance, or referring to the school stage after primary school.
How do you pronounce “secondary”?
“Secondary” is pronounced SEH-kuhnd-rih (/ˈsɛkənˌdɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “secondary” in a sentence?
Here is “secondary” used in a sentence: “Cost was a secondary concern compared to safety.”
What part of speech is “secondary”?
“Secondary” is an adjective.
Where does the word “secondary” come from?
The word “secondary” comes from Latin. From Latin "secundarius" ("of the second class"), from "secundus" ("second").
Is “secondary” a common word?
“Secondary” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “secondary” have?
“Secondary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: of lesser importance than something else; not primary.
What is the difference between primary and secondary?
Primary means first in importance, order or rank — the main thing. Secondary means it comes after that, of lesser importance or as a supporting element. A primary goal is the main aim; a secondary goal matters less. The pair is used to separate what is central from what is subordinate or supplementary.
Is "secondary" a negative word?
Not really. Secondary simply ranks something below what is primary; it does not mean bad or unimportant, just less central. A secondary concern still matters, and a secondary source is still useful. The word is mostly neutral, though calling someone's role secondary can feel dismissive depending on the context.
What is an example of "secondary" in a sentence?
You might say, "Cost was a secondary consideration after safety," or "That is a secondary issue we can deal with later." The word marks something as less important than the main point. It also appears in fixed terms like secondary school, secondary source and secondary colour.
