primarily

adverb

pri·​mar·​i·​ly prī-ˈmer-ə-lē 

also prə-

chiefly British ˈprī-mə-rə-lē

1

: for the most part : chiefly

… has now become primarily a residential town …

—S. P. B. Mais

2

: in the first place : originally

Synonyms of primarily

• originally

Examples of primarily in a Sentence

the university was primarily an agricultural college when it was founded over two centuries ago

ketchup is primarily made from tomatoes

Recent Examples on the Web

Companies on this path are looking to AI primarily as a way to reduce headcount, eliminate outside resources and lower their overall marketing investment. — George Couris, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

The surrounding rock and a column of water above the reactor are intended to provide pressure control, cooling, and radiation shielding without relying primarily on a conventional above-ground containment building. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026

This year the critic has been given the gift of Hargitay, primarily a serious actor (and director and producer), following in a long line of comedians and comic actors. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Rabies is a deadly but preventable viral disease that primarily affects the central nervous system, the CDC said. — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

primary entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for primarily

• contrarily
• summarily
• airily
• caroli
• merrily
• verily
• warily
• wearily
• arbitrarily
• customarily
• militarily
• momentarily

Kids Definition

primarily

adverb

pri·​mar·​i·​ly prī-ˈmer-ə-lē 

1

: for the most part : chiefly

2

: in the first place : originally