primarily

American  

[prahy-mair-uh-lee, -mer-, prahy-mer-uh-lee, -mer-uh-] / praɪˈmɛər ə li, -ˈmɛr-, ˈpraɪ mɛr ə li, -mər ə- /

adverb

1. essentially; mostly; chiefly; principally.

   They live primarily from farming.

2. in the first instance; at first; originally.

   Primarily a doctor, he later became a lawyer.

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primarily British  

/ ˈpraɪmərəlɪ /

adverb

1. principally; chiefly; mainly

2. at first; originally

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Etymology

Origin of primarily

First recorded in 1610–20; primary + -ly

Example Sentences

Known as shabties, they perform agricultural duties for the deceased, but primarily they express dignity, immeasurable calm.

From The Wall Street Journal

The health savings account, a decades-old tax vehicle that primarily benefits well-off Americans, is being promoted as a solution to today’s healthcare affordability crisis.

From MarketWatch

CVS has a small number of closures planned for the year, primarily due to lease expirations and relocations, she added.

From The Wall Street Journal

There are lots of visual displays, but they’re primarily operated by dials, levers and other physical controls.

From The Wall Street Journal

He split his players into two camps across the fixtures, the first made up primarily of fringe players and the second of more regular players.

From BBC