Meaning & Definition of Secondary in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Of second rank, importance, or value.

  Example Sentence: The secondary effects of the drug were less harmful than the primary ones.

• Definition: Relating to education after primary school.

  Example Sentence: She works as a secondary school teacher.

• Definition: Not directly related or essential.

  Example Sentence: His role in the project was secondary to the main objectives.

• Definition: Involving a second stage or level.

  Example Sentence: Secondary markets are places where securities are traded after being issued.

• Definition: Late to develop; not primary.

  Example Sentence: The secondary symptoms appeared after the initial diagnosis.

Etymology

Origin: From Middle English, from Latin 'secundarius' (of the second), from 'secundus' (second).

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• secondary education: Education following primary schooling, usually includes high school.
• secondary effects: Indirect or less important results that occur after an initiation.
• secondary market: A financial market where previously issued securities are traded.

Translations

• Spanish: secundario

• French: secondaire

• German: sekundär

• Russian: вторичный

Related Words

• primary: Of chief importance; principal.

• tertiary: Third in order or importance.

• auxiliary: Providing supplementary support or assistance.

Slang Meanings of secondary

• Meaning: Second fiddle

  Example Sentence: In the project, she felt she was playing second fiddle to her colleague.

• Meaning: The B team

  Example Sentence: He's on the school's B team, which is considered secondary to the A team.