What is primarily? Pronunciation and usage in English

primarily means . Learn how to pronounce and use primarily through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of primarily

primarilyadverb

/ˈprʌɪm(ə)rɪli//prʌɪˈmɛrɪli/
Definition & pronunciation of primarily

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "primarily." It's a common stumbling block for English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "primarily" is divided into three syllables:

  • prim - like the first syllable of "primrose"
  • mar - like the "mar" in "harm"
  • ily - like "illy" in “willing”

2. Phonetics (Sounds):

Here’s a more detailed phonetic breakdown using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which is the most accurate way to represent pronunciation:

  • ˈpraɪmərɪli

Let's break it down further:

  • ˈpra - The ‘p’ is pronounced as in “pen.” The ‘r’ is a dark R (more on that below).
  • ˈmər - The ‘m’ as in “mom.” The ‘r’ is again a dark R.
  • ɪˈli - The ‘i’ as in “bit.” The ‘ly’ as in ‘willing’.

3. Key Pronunciation Points:

  • Dark R: This is crucial. In many American and British English accents, the ‘r’ in ‘primarily’ is a dark R (also sometimes called a guttural R). This means you don’t pronounce it as a flap like in "red." Instead, you vibrate the back of your tongue against the roof of your mouth. It’s a bit tricky to describe – think of it like a very subtle humming sound in the back of your throat. If you're having trouble, try to almost say "uh" very briefly after the ‘r’.

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: prim. This means that “prim” is the loudest and emphasized syllable.

4. Listen to Examples:

  • Google it: Search on Google for “how to pronounce primarily” and you’ll find countless audio examples.
  • Forvo: Forvo.com is an excellent website where native speakers pronounce words: https://forvo.com/word/primarily/
  • YouTube: Search for "pronunciation of primarily" on YouTube – you'll find many videos with clear examples.

Tips for Practice:

  1. Slow Down: Don't rush. Focus on each syllable individually.
  2. Isolate the 'r': Practice just saying “prim-mer-ily” to get comfortable with the sound of the dark R.
  3. Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Provide a more detailed explanation of the dark R sound?
  • Give you some tongue-twisters using "primarily" to help you practice?

Usage and examples with the word primarily in English

Let's break down how to use the word "primarily" in English. It's a versatile word that adds nuance to your writing and speech.

1. Core Meaning:

"Primarily" means "mainly" or "above all." It indicates that something is the most important or dominant factor, reason, or element. It suggests that other things exist, but they are secondary.

2. How to Use It – Common Structures:

  • "Primarily [noun/phrase]..." – This is the most common usage. It describes what’s most important.

    • Example: "The focus of the study was primarily on student engagement." (Engagement was the main focus, other factors were considered but less important.)
    • Example: “Primarily due to rising costs, we’re increasing our subscription fee.” (Rising costs are the main reason, other potential reasons might exist.)

  • "Primarily [verb]..." – Used to emphasize the main action or activity.

    • Example: “Primarily, I use this tool for data analysis.” (Data analysis is the main thing you use it for; you might use it for other things, but less frequently.)
    • Example: “She primarily works from home.” (Working from home is her main place of work)

  • “Primarily because…” – Clearly indicates the main reason for something.

    • Example: “He was late primarily because of the traffic.” (Traffic was the main reason for his lateness – perhaps there were other minor delays.)

3. Synonyms that can often be substituted:

  • Mainly
  • Mostly
  • Above all
  • Predominantly
  • First and foremost
  • Chiefly

4. Important Nuances & Considerations:

  • It’s NOT absolute: "Primarily" doesn't mean exclusively. There's always room for other elements to be present, just not to the same degree. Don’t use it if something is 100% one thing.

  • Formal Tone: "Primarily" has a slightly more formal tone than words like "mainly" or "mostly." It's appropriate for academic writing, professional documents, and more serious conversations.

  • Clarity: The best way to use "primarily" is to make it clear what you’re emphasizing and why it's the primary thing.

5. Examples in Context:

  • “Our marketing campaign will primarily target millennials.” (Focus will be on millennials.)
  • “The company’s success is primarily driven by innovation.” (Innovation is the biggest factor in their success.)
  • “Primarily because of her dedication, she was promoted.” (Her dedication was the most important reason.)
  • “He primarily enjoys reading historical fiction.” (Reading historical fiction is his favorite activity.)

To help me give you more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing/speaking are you trying to improve? (e.g., academic essays, business emails, everyday conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you'd like to improve, or a situation where you're considering using "primarily"?

Synonyms for the word primarily

Practice with vocabulary primarily

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's revenue is ______ generated from its software subscriptions.
  2. Our educational programs are ______ aimed at fostering critical thinking skills among students.
  3. The project was ______ delayed due to unforeseen logistical challenges.
  4. Blockchain technology is ______ a decentralized ledger system.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The government's new initiative aims ______ to improve access to education in rural areas. A) primarily B) chiefly C) partially D) critically
  2. The organization's annual budget is ______ allocated to research and development. A) primarily B) mostly C) barely D) indirectly
  3. This software is designed ______ for advanced data analytics. A) primarily B) exclusively C) optionally D) occasionally
  4. The team decided to ______ revise their project proposal after receiving feedback. A) fundamentally B) primarily C) slightly D) ultimately
  5. To ensure the success of the merger, the two companies must ______ integrate their operations. A) gradually B) primarily C) broadly D) seamlessly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The company's revenue comes mainly from its overseas operations. Rewrite: (using "primarily" or a related word form)
  2. Original: The project's success is mainly dependent on securing sufficient funding. Rewrite: (using "primarily" or a related word form)
  3. Original: The most important issue to address in the meeting is the budget deficit. Rewrite: (without using "primarily" or related word forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. primarily
  2. primarily
  3. initially
  4. fundamentally

Exercise 2:

  1. A) primarily, B) chiefly
  2. A) primarily, B) mostly
  3. A) primarily, B) exclusively
  4. A) fundamentally
  5. D) seamlessly

Exercise 3:

  1. The company's revenue is primarily generated from its overseas operations.
  2. The project's success primarily depends on securing sufficient funding.
  3. The critical issue to address in the meeting is the budget deficit.

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