WordGarden.iosecondary
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛkəndəri/
US
- /ˈsɛkənˌdɛri/
Meanings
Adjective
less important, supporting, or subordinate
relating to secondary school or the school years after primary education
coming second in order, level, or rank
More meaningsFewer meanings
caused by, derived from, or dependent on something else rather than direct or primary
Beyond the definition
Think of a detective solving a case: they gather primary evidence first, then look for secondary clues to support what they found. Something secondary is not the main focus; it comes later or supports the main thing. It often means "less important," but not "useless." A secondary road is one that branches off a main highway. Your hobbies may be secondary to your work or family, meaning you put your main responsibilities first.
The word suggests being "second" in importance or order. You might take a secondary route to avoid traffic or study secondary sources, like articles written about an event, after reading primary ones, like diaries written by people who were actually there. It is all about what comes after the main thing.
The word "secondary" describes something that is next in order, supporting, or additional to a more important thing. It implies a relationship in which one element depends on or supports another. For example, a secondary character in a novel is not the main protagonist; they play a supporting role and influence the plot without carrying it alone.
"Secondary" can also refer to things that occur later in a sequence. A secondary infection might develop after an initial illness has weakened the immune system. In education, most students move from primary school to secondary school as they grow older.
The term frequently indicates a lesser degree of priority. While a career is often a primary focus, personal interests are frequently considered secondary priorities. However, "secondary" doesn't equate to "unimportant"; it simply means it isn't the "main event."
In science, the word carries specific technical meanings. A secondary cell, such as a rechargeable battery, differs from a primary (disposable) cell because it can be recharged. In chemistry, a secondary alcohol is distinct from a primary alcohol based on its molecular structure. Whether you are discussing literature, health, or science, if something follows, supports, or ranks below the main subject, it is secondary.
Examples
- 1
School level
She teaches math at a secondary school.
- 2
Backup item
We keep a secondary set of keys in the office.
- 3
Film role
In the movie, he has a secondary role, but he is still memorable.
- 4
Emergency priorities
During an emergency, comfort becomes secondary to safety.
- Patternsecondary to + priority
less important than it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business priorities
The team is focused on cutting costs; other changes are secondary for now.
- 6
Research sources
The article relies on secondary sources rather than direct interviews.
- Domainsecondary sources
information from other reports, not from people directly involved
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- secondary role
- of secondary importance
- secondary consideration
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- secondarynounadjective
Forms
- secondariespluralnounadjective