Secondly vs. Secondarily — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
"Secondly" is used to denote the second point in a list or sequence, emphasizing order, while "secondarily" implies a lesser degree of importance or priority, focusing on rank in terms of significance.
Difference Between Secondly and Secondarily
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Secondly" is commonly used in enumerations or structured arguments to introduce the second item or point, following "firstly." In contrast, "secondarily" is used to denote something that is of secondary importance, not primary or central to the main issue.
In writing and speech, "secondly" serves as an adverbial connector that maintains the flow of logic or narrative from one point to the next, explicitly marking the sequence. "Secondarily," however, suggests that the subsequent point or element plays a supporting role, rather than being a focal point.
The use of "secondly" is appropriate in academic, formal, or professional texts where clarity of sequence and structured argumentation are necessary. "Secondarily" fits better in contexts where it’s crucial to establish a hierarchy of values, priorities, or importance.
Examples of "secondly" typically appear in contexts where multiple aspects or viewpoints are being considered equally, one after another. On the other hand, "secondarily" is used when an aspect is still relevant but less crucial than primary considerations.
"Secondly" can often be replaced with "second" without losing meaning, emphasizing a simple step-by-step progression. "Secondarily," however, imparts a qualitative judgment about the relative importance of the information, making it less interchangeable with simpler forms like "second."
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Denotes order in a sequence
Indicates lesser importance
Usage Context
Lists, structured arguments
Discussions of importance or priority
Implication
Sequential, neutral importance
Hierarchical, diminished importance
Common Replacements
"Second"
"Less importantly," "as a secondary matter"
Example Usage
"Firstly, we must consider X. Secondly, Y must also be addressed."
"Primarily, our focus should be on X, and secondarily on Y."
Compare with Definitions
Secondly
Used in both spoken and written English to maintain logical order.
Secondly, it's important to consider the budget constraints.
Secondarily
Suggests a subsidiary position in a hierarchy of values or actions.
The device serves primarily as a computer, and secondarily as a phone.
Secondly
Appears in academic or professional presentations.
Secondly, let's examine the market trends.
Secondarily
Used when prioritizing tasks or considerations.
Focus on improving quality, and secondarily on increasing speed.
Secondly
Often used in formal contexts to clarify progression.
Secondly, the results indicate a need for further study.
Secondarily
Used to balance multiple objectives in planning.
We aim to reduce costs; secondarily, we aim to reduce time.
Secondly
Adverb used to introduce the second point in a list or sequence.
Firstly, update the software; secondly, train the staff on new features.
Secondarily
Adverb indicating something of lesser importance or priority.
Our primary goal is to educate, and secondarily to entertain.
Secondly
Sequences actions or ideas.
Start with the introduction, and secondly, discuss the main argument.
Secondarily
Appears in contexts where secondary aspects are still relevant but not the focus.
Secondarily, we should consider the environmental impacts.
Secondly
In the second place (used to introduce a second point or reason)
He was presented first of all as a hopelessly unqualified candidate and secondly as an extremist
Secondarily
Second or lower in rank or importance; not primary
Concerns that are secondary.
Secondly
In the second place; second.
Secondarily
Following what is first in time or sequence
Secondary fermentation.
Secondly
In the second place.
Secondarily
Of or relating to secondary schools.
Secondly
In the second place.
Secondarily
Derived from what is primary or original
Literary criticism viewed as secondary to literature itself.
Secondly
In the second place;
Second, we must consider the economy
Secondarily
Not immediate or direct
A secondary source of information.
Secondarily
Of, relating to, or being the shorter flight feathers projecting along the inner edge of a bird's wing.
Secondarily
(Electricity) Having an induced current that is generated by an inductively coupled primary. Used of a circuit or coil.
Secondarily
Relating to, or having a carbon atom that is attached to two other carbon atoms in a molecule.
Secondarily
Relating to the replacement of two of several atoms or groups in a compound, such as an amine in which two valences of the functional group are taken by carbon atoms.
Secondarily
(Geology) Produced from another mineral by decay or alteration.
Secondarily
Of or relating to a secondary color or colors.
Secondarily
Being a degree of health care intermediate between primary care and tertiary care, as that typically offered at a community hospital.
Secondarily
(Botany) Of, relating to, or derived from a lateral meristem, especially a cambium.
Secondarily
One that acts in an auxiliary, subordinate, or inferior capacity.
Secondarily
One of the shorter flight feathers projecting along the inner edge of a bird's wing.
Secondarily
(Electricity) A coil or circuit having an induced current.
Secondarily
(Astronomy) A celestial body that orbits another; a satellite.
Secondarily
The dimmer star of a binary star.
Secondarily
A secondary color.
Secondarily
(Football) The defensive backfield.
Secondarily
With lesser importance.
Primarily, this will cause deaths; secondarily, it will also cost a lot of money.
Secondarily
In a secondary manner or degree.
Secondarily
(obsolete) Secondly; in the second place.
Secondarily
In a secondary manner or degree.
Secondarily
Secondly; in the second place.
God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers.
Secondarily
Of secondary import;
Secondarily affected
Common Curiosities
Are there alternatives to using "secondly" in a list?
Yes, "second" can often replace "secondly" without loss of meaning, especially in less formal contexts.
How do "secondly" and "secondarily" affect the tone of a sentence?
"Secondly" maintains a neutral, orderly tone, while "secondarily" introduces a hierarchy of importance, potentially diminishing the weight of the statement.
When should I use "secondly" instead of "secondarily"?
Use "secondly" when listing items or points in a sequential order, and "secondarily" when referring to items of lesser importance.
Is "secondly" considered formal or informal?
"Secondly" is considered appropriate for both formal and informal contexts but is particularly useful in structured and formal discourse.
How does the choice between "secondly" and "secondarily" influence reader understanding?
The choice affects how the reader perceives the importance or sequence of the information presented, with "secondly" suggesting a continuation and "secondarily" suggesting a subordinate status.
What are some synonyms for "secondarily"?
Synonyms include "subordinately," "less importantly," and "as a lesser focus."
Does "secondarily" imply a lack of importance?
Not necessarily a lack of importance, but it does imply a lesser degree of focus compared to primary considerations.
Can "secondarily" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "secondarily" can be used in formal writing when indicating a lower priority or secondary consideration.
What is the best way to use "secondarily" in a report?
In a report, use "secondarily" to denote factors or elements that support or complement the primary focus but are not the main concern.
Is it grammatically correct to use "firstly" and then "secondarily"?
It's grammatically correct but may confuse priorities; it's clearer to match "firstly" with "secondly" and "primarily" with "secondarily."
Can the use of "secondly" or "secondarily" impact the persuasiveness of an argument?
Yes, effectively using these adverbs can help structure an argument more clearly, influencing its persuasiveness by clarifying the order or importance of points.
Can "secondly" be the start of a new paragraph?
Yes, "secondly" can effectively start a new paragraph when continuing a list or series of points from a previous paragraph.
How should "secondly" and "secondarily" be integrated into a speech?
Use "secondly" when moving to the next point in a clear sequence, and "secondarily" when addressing a point of lower overall importance to the main argument.
Are there cultural variations in the use of "secondly" and "secondarily"?
While usage norms may vary slightly, the basic distinction between these terms is generally recognized across English-speaking cultures.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
