secondary
UK: ˈsɛkənd(ə)ri | US: ˈsɛkənˌdɛri
adj. 1. Coming after or next in order; less important than the primary.
adj. 2. Derived from or depending on something primary.
adj. 3. (Education) Relating to secondary schools or education.
secondary = second<following> + ary<adjective suffix>
- second: From Latin secundus ("following, next in order"), derived from sequi ("to follow"). Originally meant "next after the first."
- ary: A suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -arius, indicating "related to" or "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
The word secondary evolved from the Latin secundarius, meaning "of the second rank or class." It entered Middle English via Old French secondaire, retaining its hierarchical connotation. The term reflects a clear logical progression: second (ordinal position) + ary (relational suffix), emphasizing subordination or derivation from a primary source.
The secondary effects of the policy were not immediately apparent.
She teaches at a secondary school in London.
The report treated climate change as a secondary issue.
His role in the project was secondary to the lead researcher.
The book’s secondary characters add depth to the story.