adjective

secondary

SEH-kuhnd-rih

adjective

Of lesser importance than something else; not primary.

"Cost was a secondary concern compared to safety."

"He took a secondary role in the negotiations."

Relating to education for children roughly aged eleven to eighteen, after primary school.

"She teaches maths at a secondary school."

How to Use Secondary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSecond in rank or importance, or referring to the school stage after primary school.

Common pairings

secondary school secondary concern secondary source

more secondary comparative, most secondary superlative

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Cost was a _____ concern compared to safety.

From Latin "secundarius" ("of the second class"), from "secundus" ("second").

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