What does secondary mean?
Secondary describes something that is less important than a main or primary thing, or that comes after an initial stage. It is used for education, where secondary schools and secondary education follow primary school, and for business and organization, where a secondary objective or market is subordinate to a principal one. The word can also describe effects, benefits, or characteristics that result from something else rather than its main purpose. As a noun, especially in British English, a secondary means a secondary school. Its Latin ancestor, secundarius, was formed from secundus, “second,” itself related to sequi, “to follow.” Today, “secondary” is widely understood as a formal and precise way of describing subordinate importance or a later stage, while expressions such as “secondary to” make its hierarchy especially clear.
Subordinate in importance, rank, or priority; occurring after or derived from a principal or primary thing.
"The committee treated the staffing issue as secondary to the budget decision."
Common in formal and professional contexts. “Secondary to” expresses that something has lower priority than something else.
A secondary school, especially in British English.
"The local secondary has expanded its science facilities."
Chiefly British usage; American English generally uses high school.
The plural is secondaries. In British English, it commonly refers to secondary schools collectively or individually.
"The city's secondaries have formed a shared music program."
From Latin secundus, meaning “second,” secondary literally follows the first in importance or sequence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does secondary come from?
Secondary comes from Latin secundarius, an adjective meaning “second” or “of the second rank,” formed from secundus, “second, following,” and the suffix -arius. English borrowed the word in the early 16th century, initially in contexts involving subordinate position or rank. Its close Latin relatives include secundus and secundum, while second and the Scots secund share the same historical root.
Related word forms
How secondary is actually used
As an adjective, secondary is formal and neutral, especially common in education, business, and technical contexts. The noun is chiefly British; in American English, high school is usually preferred.