primary

The word “primary” means most important; main. In plain terms, the main or most important one, or (in politics) the vote that picks a party's candidate.

“Primary” is pronounced PREYE-mree (/ˈpɹaɪˌmɛɹ.i/ in IPA).

Here is “primary” used in a sentence: “Her primary concern was her children's safety.”

Depending on how it is used, “primary” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “primary” comes from Latin. From Latin prīmārius, "of the first rank, chief," from prīmus ("first").

“Primary” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Primary” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: most important; main.

Primary means first in rank, order, or importance — the main thing. Secondary means coming after it: less important, or derived from something else. A primary goal is the one that matters most; a secondary goal is a lesser addition. In research, a primary source is original, while a secondary source comments on or interprets it.

The two are close and often interchangeable when they mean 'main' — a primary reason and a principal reason are much the same. 'Principal' leans slightly toward the single most senior or leading one, as in the principal dancer. 'Primary' emphasises being first or foundational. In most everyday sentences either word reads naturally.

'Safety is our primary concern' means it outranks everything else. Other examples: a company's primary market, a patient's primary symptom, or your primary reason for a decision. In each case, 'primary' singles out the one item that leads or matters most, setting it above any secondary or supporting factors.