adv B1 Intermediate Common

primarily

PREYE-muh-ruh-lee

Primarily (adv) means Mainly, or first and foremost. Example: “The course is primarily aimed at beginners.”

adv

Mainly, or first and foremost.

"The course is primarily aimed at beginners."

"She was hired primarily for her writing skills."

How to use primarily

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMostly, or above all else.

Common pairings

primarily due to primarily focused on used primarily for

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The course is _____ aimed at beginners.

Etymology

From primary plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

Synonyms

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mainly chiefly mostly principally largely predominantly first and foremost in the main in the first place

Related words

very almost usually particularly generally mostly slightly mainly

Rhymes for primarily

ILY oily lily wily daily gaily Emily doily family Sicily easily bodily

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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.

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