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

“Because of the size of California’s market, standards set by the state can have national implications for manufacturers, supply chains and consumers, even when companies operate primarily outside of California.”

From Los Angeles Times

For many years, schizophrenia has been viewed primarily as a condition caused by excessive synapse loss.

From Science Daily

Initially the company primarily serviced merchant payments for the restaurant industry.

From Barron's

Alliance for Human Rights, a group made up primarily of business and property owners who want cleaner streets.

From Los Angeles Times

Demaree said AI is driving a return on investment where Lockheed has put it to use, primarily by helping her team of 5,000 accelerate the pace of projects—thereby reducing costs.

From The Wall Street Journal