English Reference
Adverb

primarily

adv. degree
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US /pɹaɪˈmɛɹəɫi/ UK /pɹaɪmˈɛɹəli/ pri·mar·i·ly

adv.mostly or mainly. You use this to show the most important reason or purpose for something.

adv.for the most part; in the first place. Used to indicate the chief or principal factor in a situation.


SIMPLE

The company sells primarily to young adults.

CONTEXTUAL

The new community center is primarily used for youth sports, though it occasionally hosts local markets.

COMPLEX

While the author touches on several historical themes, the book is primarily concerned with the psychological impact of the war on civilian populations.

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective, adverb, or prepositional phrase it modifies, or between the auxiliary and main verb.

Usage primarily lives · assign primarily · primarily associate

For many Osun voters, the election is not primarily about Tinubu’s political future.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

These glasses have primarily been found in Madrid, Castilla y León, Galicia, La Rioja and Aragón regions, all of which have issued recalls.

The Local· 11 Aug 2026

Common in science writing


From primary + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated