primarily

[ prahy-mair-uh-lee, -mer-, prahy-mer-uh-lee, -mer-uh- ]

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

/ ˈpraɪmərəlɪ /

adverb

1. principally; chiefly; mainly
2. at first; originally

Word History and Origins

Origin of primarily¹

First recorded in 1610–20; primary + -ly

Example Sentences

Until now, however, they've focused primarily on detecting gamma rays from these axions' slow transformation into photons in the magnetic fields of galaxies.

From Science Daily

The North Carolina-based company operates about 4,700 stores along with 1,100 independently operated locations, which are primarily in the U.S. but also in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean islands.

From Los Angeles Times

They primarily rely on their dorsal fin, whereas strong swimmers use their caudal fin or back tail, Paig-Tran said.

From Los Angeles Times

The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, shed new light on what may underlie sleep differences in men and women and could have broad implications for biomedical research, which for decades has focused primarily on males.

From Science Daily

But “Joy,” a biographical treatment of Jean Purdy, one of the pioneers of the science, while certainly waving the flag for the procedure, is primarily concerned with the human story behind the creation of I.V.F.

From New York Times