primarily
gb/pɹaɪmˈɛɹəli/ us/pɹaɪmˈɛɹəli/
B1
English
~ 2700
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
mainly; for the most part
Mostly or mainly; more than anything else.
Usage pattern:
primarily [verb/phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'primarily' with 'first' or 'at first', but it means 'mostly', not 'at the beginning'.
Synonyms
mainly (Very close in meaning; slightly more informal.)
|
chiefly (Similar meaning but slightly more formal and less common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
secondarily (Indicates something is of lesser importance or not the main focus.)
Collocations
primarily responsible
|primarily used
|primarily concerned
|primarily focused
Themes
general
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The city's economy is primarily based on tourism.
- This course is designed primarily for beginners.
- She works primarily from home these days.
- Primarily, our goal is to improve customer satisfaction.
Learner examples
- I use my phone primarily for calls.
- This shop sells primarily fruit.
- He studies primarily at night.
- The park is used primarily by local families.
Grammar
Dictionary form
primarily
IPA
GB/pɹaɪmˈɛɹəli/
US/pɹaɪmˈɛɹəli/
Syllables & stress
primar - ily (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ily)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: primarily
- Plural: primarilies
Word family
Expressions
primarily because
1/pɹaɪmˈɛɹəli bɪkˈʌz/
fixed phrase
main reason for something
Used to show the main reason why something happens or is true.
Examples
- The event was canceled, primarily because of bad weather.
- I chose this job primarily because it offers flexible hours.
primarily responsible for
1/pɹaɪmˈɛɹəli ɹispˈɑnsɪbəl fɚ/
fixed phrase
main person or thing accountable
Used to say someone or something has the main duty or blame for something.
Examples
- The manager is primarily responsible for hiring new staff.
- This department is primarily responsible for quality control.