WordLens

primary

1 of 3adjective
/ˈpɹaɪmɛɹi/
1

having the most importance or influence

  • The primary reason for his success is his unwavering dedication to his craft.
  • In this debate, the primary argument revolves around economic sustainability.
  • Her primary responsibility as a teacher is to nurture and educate her students.
  • The primary goal of the project is to improve access to clean drinking water.
  • In his research, the primary focus is on understanding the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Synonyms:
leadingmain(a)masterdominantuppermostprincipaltopparamountcentralforemostfirstsupremefocalprimary(a)essentialprimalprincipal(a)chief(a)master(a)chiefprimemain
2

occurring earliest in time or development

B1
  • During the primary phase of the project, we focused on research.
  • In the primary stages of development, the software was prone to bugs.
  • The primary symptoms of the disease appeared within the first few days.
  • The primary stages of childhood are crucial for emotional development.
  • The primary stages of the project involve planning and research.
Synonyms:
rudimentarylowfirstprimitiveprimeearlyoriginalinitial
Antonyms:
secondary
3

not influenced or derived from something else

  • Primary sources of information include original documents, such as letters or diaries.
  • Researchers often rely on primary data for the most accurate insights.
  • Interviews with eyewitnesses are considered primary sources in historical research.
  • Primary materials, like photos or official records, offer the most authentic perspective.
Synonyms:
originalfirsthand
4

having the most essential function

  • Water is a primary need for all living beings.
  • Safety is a primary concern when designing vehicles.
  • The primary goal of the project is to improve efficiency.
Synonyms:
principalforemostvitalelementarycrucialkeyelementalessentialbasicbasal
5

having to do with the education of children between the ages of about five and eleven

  • She works as a primary teacher, teaching young children in their early years of school.
  • The primary school focuses on foundational subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic.
  • Primary education is essential for developing basic skills.
  • He is studying to become a primary school educator.
  • In the UK, primary schools typically cater to children ages 5 to 11.
Synonyms:
elementary
6

indicating the basic healthcare provided by doctors, nurses, and other professionals for everyday health needs

  • A primary care physician helps manage preventive health and treats everyday illnesses.
  • Primary care services include routine check-ups, vaccinations, and management of chronic conditions.
  • Dentists offer primary care for dental health, including cleanings and check-ups.
  • Primary healthcare focuses on early detection and treatment of common health problems.
  • Nurses provide primary care through daily health monitoring and patient education.
Synonyms:
basic
7

referring to a compound that has undergone the initial stage of chemical substitution, where one atom or group replaces another

  • A primary alcohol has a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon that is connected to only one other carbon atom.
  • Primary compounds are often the simplest form in a reaction process.
  • Primary amines have one organic group replacing a hydrogen atom in ammonia.
  • The reactivity of a primary substance is often lower than that of secondary or tertiary ones.