Secondarily

Secondarily describes something that is of secondary importance, consequence, or order; it refers to something that comes after or is less significant than the primary or main thing. It can also indicate an indirect or consequential effect. The term highlights a relationship where one thing is not the central focus but arises as a result of or in conjunction with a more prominent factor. Often used in discussions involving cause and effect, prioritization, or layered impact, 'secondarily' helps delineate the cascading influences and subsequent outcomes of an initial event or situation. Understanding its meaning is crucial for grasping the nuances of complex processes and their resulting manifestations.

Secondarily meaning with examples

• The company focused primarily on marketing, but secondarily on product development. Their initial marketing push was successful, and they started to invest more into product research and development. This demonstrated a shift in strategy as the second element was growing in importance. The growth and profitability were ultimately balanced with the need for innovation, leading to a successful product release.
• The environmental impact of deforestation is primarily the loss of habitat, but secondarily, it contributes to climate change. The direct loss of biodiversity is devastating, but the release of stored carbon exacerbates global warming. These interconnected effects demonstrate how one action has far-reaching consequences. The focus shifted from only biodiversity issues to those of global warming.
• The athlete’s training focused first on strength and conditioning, and secondarily on refining technique. The development of physical prowess was essential. However, the precise execution of movements became key to performance, and helped unlock the athletic potential. This demonstrates how fundamental needs and subsequent needs interplay in achieving specific goals.
• The government's budget prioritized infrastructure, but secondarily addressed education spending. A focus on building roads, bridges, and utilities came first, while funds were released later to ensure a trained population could find success in the new economy. This prioritized primary investment in economic growth, followed by investment in human capital in the longer term.