Secondary
ˈsɛkənˌdɛri
Definitions
2 meaningsFollowing in order, or of second rank or importance.
ˈsɛkənˌdɛri
Coming after, less important than, or subordinate to something else.
The doctor suspected a secondary infection after the initial virus.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a Lego castle. The main tower is primary, but the smaller watchtowers and walls are secondary. They're important, but not the main focus.
👶 For kids: Something that comes after the first thing. Like if you eat a snack after dinner, the snack is secondary!
More Examples
Secondary education usually follows primary education.
My secondary objective is to finish this project before the deadline.
How It's Used
"She attended a secondary school."
"A secondary infection can occur after an initial illness."
"The secondary market deals with already issued securities."
A thing or person that is secondary or of second importance.
ˈsɛkənˌdɛri
Something of secondary importance; a supporting aspect.
The artist focused on the primary colors, while the secondary elements were less emphasized.
💡 Simply: If you're planning a party, the cake is primary, but the decorations are a secondary. It's still important, but not the main event.
👶 For kids: A second thing that's important, but not as important as the first thing!
More Examples
For the company, the secondary was to improve customer experience, and the primary was to increase revenue.
His interests are in primary research, with secondary as support.
How It's Used
"The secondary was a key moment in the election campaign."
"The secondary colors are created by mixing primary colors."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
secondary source
An account or information created after an event by someone who did not directly experience it.
"The historian relied on secondary sources to support their argument."
secondary market
A market where securities and financial instruments are traded after their initial issuance.
"Investors often use the secondary market to buy or sell stocks and bonds."
From Late Latin *secundarius*, from *secundus* 'second'.
The term 'secondary' began to be used in English in the early 15th century, initially with the meaning of 'second in order or importance.' Its use expanded with the growth of scientific and academic writing.
Memory tip
Think of the second in line – they are secondary to the leader.
Word Origin
"secundus (second)"