B1adjective2K

Secondary

UK /["/ˈsekəndri/"]/US /["/ˈsekənderi/"]/

Definition

connected with teaching children of 11–18 years

In simple words: Something that comes after the main thing.

Examples

  • The secondary school offers a wide range of subjects.
  • In this experiment, we will analyze the secondary effects of the chemical.
  • Finding a secondary source for your research can provide useful perspectives.
  • He chose to take a secondary job to save money for his vacation.
  • The secondary market for stocks can often be more volatile than the primary market.
  • Her secondary goal is to improve her writing skills.
  • A secondary color is made by mixing two primary colors.
  • The decision was made for secondary reasons unrelated to the main issue.

Usage notes

Use 'secondary' when discussing something that is not primary or main. It's appropriate in educational, technical, or formal contexts but may be too technical for everyday conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'secondary' as the backup ring in a boxing match—it's not the first choice but still important.

Collocations

  • secondary education
  • secondary effects
  • secondary source

Synonyms

  • subsidiary
  • minor
  • lesser
  • supporting

Antonyms

  • primary
  • main
  • chief

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'secondary' vs 'second' — 'second' generally refers to order, while 'secondary' refers to importance.
  • Using 'secondary' in a non-comparative sense (e.g., saying 'the secondary reason' instead of 'a secondary reason').
  • Overusing 'secondary' in informal settings where simpler words like 'less important' could be used.