Primarily — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /prī-ˈmer-ə-lē/ pri·mar·i·ly

Meaning & Definition of Primarily

Primarily (adverb)

  1. for the most part, chiefly
  2. in the first place, originally

Primarily (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. in the beginning

    "the university was primarily an agricultural college when it was founded over two centuries ago"

    similar: firstly, initially, originally, at first, to start with
    related: incipiently, primitively
    near: finally, lastly, ultimately

  2. for the most part

    "ketchup is primarily made from tomatoes"

    similar: altogether, basically, by and large, chiefly, generally, largely, mainly, mostly, overall, predominantly, principally, substantially, in general, on the whole
    related: about, more or less, most, much, near, nearly, next to, nigh, practically, some, virtually, well-nigh, approximately, broadly, plus or minus, roughly, commonly, frequently, normally, ordinarily, typically, usually, incompletely, partially, partly, rather, somewhat
    near: completely, entirely, fully, perfectly, thoroughly, totally, wholly, barely, hardly, just, marginally, minimally, scarcely, absolutely, categorically, unqualifiedly

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Primarily

The most common words with a similar meaning to Primarily:

firstly, initially, originally, altogether, basically, by and large, chiefly, generally, largely, mainly, mostly, overall, predominantly, principally, substantially, at first, to start with, in general, on the whole

Related Words for Primarily

incipiently, primitively, about, more or less, most, much, near, nearly, next to, nigh, practically, some, virtually, well-nigh, approximately, broadly, plus or minus, roughly, commonly, frequently, normally, ordinarily, typically, usually, incompletely, partially, partly, rather, somewhat

Near Antonyms of Primarily

finally, lastly, ultimately, completely, entirely, fully, perfectly, thoroughly, totally, wholly, barely, hardly, just, marginally, minimally, scarcely, absolutely, categorically, unqualifiedly

Origin & Etymology of Primarily

primary:1 + -ly:2

First known use: 1601

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Primarily

Frequently Asked Questions about Primarily

What does "Primarily" mean?

"Primarily" means for the most part, chiefly. As an adverb, it is defined as: for the most part, chiefly. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Primarily"?

Other words for "Primarily" include firstly, initially, originally, altogether, basically, by and large, chiefly and generally. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Primarily" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Primarily"?

There are 48 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Primarily". Common alternatives include firstly, initially, originally, altogether, basically, by and large, chiefly, generally, largely and mainly.

How do you use "Primarily" in a sentence?

Examples of "Primarily" in a sentence: "the university was primarily an agricultural college when it was founded over two centuries ago"; "ketchup is primarily made from tomatoes".

Is "Primarily" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Primarily" is an adverb.

Is "Primarily" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Primarily" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Primarily"?

"Primarily" is pronounced /prī-ˈmer-ə-lē/ and divided into syllables as pri·mar·i·ly.

What is the origin of the word "Primarily"?

"Primarily" comes from primary:1 + -ly:2. First known use: 1601.