ENGLISH
REFERENCE

primarily

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

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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From primary + -ly.

Usage

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

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