secondly

“Secondly” is an adverb used to indicate the second stage, position, or point in a sequence. It commonly introduces the second reason in an argument, as in “Firstly, the plan is affordable; secondly, it is practical.” The word is especially frequent in formal presentations, academic writing, and organized discussion, where it helps make the order of points explicit. It can also mean “in the second place” without necessarily introducing a numbered point. Although “second” is often used in modern speech as a simpler alternative, “secondly” gives a more formal and clearly structured effect. The word is not restricted to British or American English and is understood throughout the English-speaking world.

Secondly means in the second place in a sequence or discussion, or used to introduce the second point being made.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does secondly come from?

“Secondly” was formed in the early modern period by adding the suffix -ly to the adjective “second.” “Second” comes through Old French from the Latin ordinal secundus, meaning “second” or “following,” originally associated with the second in a sequence and also with “secondary.” Related English words include “secondary” and the more technical “secundine,” both of which reflect the same Latin root.

How secondly is actually used

Common in formal and professional speech and writing. In informal discussion, alternatives such as “next” or “also” may sound more natural. When listing points, forms such as “firstly,” “secondly,” and “thirdly” are conventional, though “first,” “second,” and “third” are also widely used.

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