What is primary? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of primary

primaryadjective

/ˈprʌɪm(ə)ri/
Definition & pronunciation of primary

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "primary." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈpraɪm(ə)ri/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ˈpraɪ (pronounced like "pry" - as in, "pry open a door") - This is the stressed syllable. The 'y' sound is a diphthong, meaning it blends into another sound.

  2. mə (pronounced like "muh") - A very short, unstressed "uh" sound. It’s almost swallowed.

  3. ri (pronounced like "ree") - Just a simple "r" sound followed by the "ee" sound.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  • 'p' - As in "pen"
  • 'r' - A dark "r" (also called a guttural "r" or a retroflex "r"). This is the tricky part. It's produced by curling the tip of your tongue back slightly and toward the roof of your mouth. It's not quite as strong as an American "r" sound. If you're new to English, it might feel strange!
  • 'y' - This sound is similar to the "i" in "my" or "sky." It’s a glide from a more open vowel sound to a more closed one.
  • 'uh' – A short, neutral vowel sound, like the "a" in "about."

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google Translate: Type "primary" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. It will give you an audio pronunciation.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/primary/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce primary" on YouTube – you'll find many videos demonstrating the sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the dark "r." This is really key to sounding natural.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "uh." It’s a very subtle sound.
  • Listen and repeat repeatedly, comparing your pronunciation to native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you a few example sentences using the word "primary"?
  • Explain the difference between the dark "r" and other "r" sounds?

Usage and examples with the word primary in English

The word "primary" is a versatile word with several different meanings. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, broken down by category with examples:

1. Most Important / First:

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage – indicating something is the most important, fundamental, or initial.
  • Examples:
    • "Reading is the primary focus of this school." (Most important activity)
    • "Our primary goal is to provide excellent customer service." (Main objective)
    • "He identified the primary cause of the problem." (The most important cause)
    • "At the primary level, we're looking for volunteers." (First level of recruitment)

2. Relating to a School Election (Politics):

  • Meaning: Used in elections to describe the first round where voters choose candidates.
  • Examples:
    • "The primary election will be held on June 7th." (The initial election)
    • "He won the primary and now has to compete in the general election."

3. Biology & Medicine – Basic / Fundamental:

  • Meaning: In these fields, “primary” refers to something that's considered foundational or originates directly.
  • Examples:
    • "Primary cells” are batteries that generate power directly.
    • “Primary health care” provides initial medical attention.
    • "The research focused on primary bone marrow." (The original tissue source)

4. As an Adjective – Original / Genuine:

  • Meaning: Describing something as genuine, authentic, or original.
  • Examples:
    • "The artist's primary inspiration was nature." (Genuine inspiration)
    • "He has a primary understanding of the situation." (A sincere and complete understanding)

5. Statistics & Data – Initial / Baseline:

  • Meaning: Used to describe a starting point for analysis or measurement.
  • Example: "The primary data collected from the survey will be analyzed." (The raw data)

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of “primary” depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “main,” “key,” “fundamental,” “basic,” “initial,” or “first” to ensure clarity.
  • “Primary” vs. “Principal”: These words are often confused. "Primary" generally means "most important" or "first," while "principal" can mean "main" or "head" (e.g., "principal investigator," "principal of a school").

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you trying to use "primary" in? (e.g., school, politics, science, everyday conversation?)

Synonyms for the word primary

Practice with vocabulary primary

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The _____ objective of the new policy is to enhance data security across all platforms.
  2. During the _____ stage of product development, user feedback is highly valued and actively sought.
  3. Understanding the _____ principles of thermodynamics is essential for all engineering students.
  4. The team offered an _____ solution to the problem, which deviated slightly from the originally proposed approach.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The organization's _____ objective is to promote digital literacy in underserved communities. Which of the following words can replace 'primary' in this context? a) main b) principal c) initial d) sole

  2. Before conducting a detailed analysis, we need to gather _____ data directly from the source. Which words describe the type of data we need? a) raw b) preliminary c) primary d) secondary

  3. When evaluating the effectiveness of a new marketing campaign, what would be the _____ consideration? a) chief b) crucial c) important d) primary

  4. Which of the following words describes a foundational or essential truth, belief, or rule? a) primary b) principal c) principle d) element

  5. The _____ phase of the project involves a comprehensive review of all previous reports. a) final b) subsequent c) initial d) conclusive

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Their competitive advantage largely stems from innovative product design. (Rewrite using 'primarily'.)

  2. The very first step in problem-solving is to clearly define the issue. (Rewrite using 'primary'.)

  3. The most important responsibility of a team leader is to foster collaboration. (Rewrite without using "primary".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. primary
  2. primary
  3. fundamental
  4. alternative

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) main, b) principal
  2. a) raw, c) primary
  3. a) chief, b) crucial, d) primary
  4. c) principle
  5. c) initial

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Their competitive advantage stems primarily from innovative product design.
  2. The primary step in problem-solving is to clearly define the issue.
  3. The principal responsibility of a team leader is to foster collaboration.

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