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.

---

primarily British  

/ ˈpraɪmərəlɪ /

adverb

1. principally; chiefly; mainly

2. at first; originally

---

Etymology

Origin of primarily

First recorded in 1610–20; primary + -ly

Example Sentences

The search, now going on for nearly a week, has turned up scant clues, primarily a video believed to be of her recorded the day she disappeared.

From BBC

“While China is a net importer—primarily of silver ore—it is also a major refiner and exporter of silver bars,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.

From Barron's

And the business model, which relies primarily on hourly billing, could be vulnerable to disruption by artificial intelligence.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their findings suggest that these medications primarily affect brain systems involved in reward and wakefulness rather than the networks traditionally linked to attention.

From Science Daily

Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party happens in the city centre, primarily along Princes Street, creating a ticketed arena with music and DJs.

From BBC