What is secondary? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of secondary

secondaryadjective

/ˈsɛk(ə)nd(ə)ri/
Definition & pronunciation of secondary

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "secondary." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • sec-: This part is relatively straightforward. Think of "sick" – the "sec" sound is similar.
  • -on-: This is the key part that often causes issues. It's a diphthong, meaning it's a combination of two vowel sounds that glide into each other.

2. The Pronunciation:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

/səˌkənˈderi/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • sə: (like "suh") – A short, unstressed "uh" sound. It's very quick.
  • ˌkən: (like "con") – This is a stressed syllable.
  • ˈderi: (like "de-ree") – This is the stressed syllable. The 'i' is a long "ee" sound, as in "see."

3. Tips & How to Practice:

  • Focus on the "on" sound: This is where most people stumble. Try to create the feeling of gliding smoothly from one vowel sound to another. Think of it as a quick "eh" sound followed by an "ee" sound. It's not a separate "o" sound.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "on": It's a very short Dipthong. It almost feels linked with the 'deri' part.
  • Listen to examples: This is crucial.

4. Common Mispronunciations & What to Avoid:

  • Saying "so-con-der-ee": This splits the word up unnaturally.
  • Pronouncing the "o" as a clear "oh" sound: It's not an "oh," it's a blended sound.
  • Over-emphasizing the first syllable: While “con” is stressed, the whole word is evenly weighted.

To help me tailor my explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning English as a second language?
  • Is there a particular aspect of the pronunciation that you find most difficult?

Usage and examples with the word secondary in English

Let's break down how to use the word "secondary" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here's a breakdown:

1. As an Adjective (Meaning "Second in Importance"):

This is the most common usage. “Secondary” describes something that is less important, less significant, or comes after something more important.

  • Example 1: “The main goal is to increase sales, but a secondary goal is to improve customer satisfaction.” (Increasing customer satisfaction is not as crucial as increasing sales.)
  • Example 2: “He had a secondary role in the play, mostly just appearing in the background.” (His role wasn't central to the story.)
  • Example 3: “Her research focused on the primary causes of the war, but she included a secondary analysis of the economic factors.” (The economic factors were a less emphasized part of her research.)

2. As a Noun (Meaning "A Secondary Thing or Effect"):

When used as a noun, "secondary" refers to something that is a result or consequence of something else.

  • Example 1: “The secondary effects of the drug included drowsiness and nausea.” (Drowsiness and nausea were consequences caused by the drug.)
  • Example 2: “He experienced a secondary infection after the surgery.” (The infection was a result of the surgery.)
  • Example 3: “The secondary market is where stocks are traded after they've been initially offered to the public.” (It's a market related to the initial offering.)

3. In Mathematics & Science (Meaning "Dependent/Less Significant"):

  • Example: “In this equation, 'x' is the secondary variable – it depends on ‘y’.” ( ‘x’ is not the independent variable.)

4. In Education (Referring to a School or Level):

  • Example: “She attended a secondary school.” (Meaning a high school.)

Key Differences & How to Choose the Right Usage:

Feature As an Adjective As a Noun
Meaning Second in importance Result/Effect
Function Describes a quality Refers to a thing
Example "A secondary concern" "The secondary effect"

Tips for Using "Secondary" Effectively:

  • Contrast is important: Often, “secondary” is used in comparison to “primary.” It highlights what comes after or is less important.
  • Be specific: Make sure it's clear what is secondary and in relation to what.

Resources for More Examples:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., business, literature, science)?
  • Help you practice using "secondary" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word secondary

Practice with vocabulary secondary

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The primary purpose of the project is to reduce costs, while improving employee morale is a _____________ benefit.
  2. In many educational systems, students transition from primary school directly to _____________ education, which typically includes middle and high school.
  3. Although the main network server is robust, a _____________ server is kept on standby for immediate failover in case of an outage.
  4. The CEO's decision was influenced by several major factors, but a few _____________ considerations, such as office aesthetics, were also mentioned.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following best describes something that is less important or comes after the main item? a) primary b) principal c) secondary d) leading e) essential

  2. When discussing the unexpected outcomes of a policy, which word(s) could refer to effects that are not direct or immediate? a) primary b) direct c) consequential d) secondary e) initial

  3. In an academic research paper, which term might describe a source that analyzes or interprets original data rather than presenting it directly? a) primary b) original c) firsthand d) secondary e) empirical

  4. Which word(s) best describe a role that supports the main function but is not central itself? a) pivotal b) primary c) ancillary d) principal e) subordinate

  5. If an issue is considered less significant than the main problem, it is often referred to as: a) paramount b) trivial c) fundamental d) crucial e) vital

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The main objective of the meeting was to approve the budget, but we also briefly discussed staffing issues that were not as critical. (Rewrite the sentence using "secondary" or a related word form.)

  2. Collecting raw data is the first step; analyzing existing studies provides further insight. (Rewrite the sentence using "secondary" or a related word form.)

  3. The initial challenge was to secure funding, but developing a long-term marketing strategy was of less importance at that stage. (Rewrite the sentence without using "secondary", but using a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. secondary
  2. secondary
  3. backup / redundant
  4. minor / additional

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) secondary
  2. c) consequential, d) secondary
  3. d) secondary
  4. c) ancillary, e) subordinate
  5. b) trivial

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The main objective of the meeting was to approve the budget, but staffing issues were a secondary concern.
  2. Collecting raw data is the primary step; consulting secondary sources provides further insight.
  3. The initial challenge was to secure funding, but developing a long-term marketing strategy was a subordinate priority at that stage.

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