primary

/ˈpraɪmɛri/
adjective
  1. Most important; main.
    • The primary goal of the project is to reduce pollution.
    • Her primary reason for moving was to be closer to family.
    • Safety is our primary concern when designing playgrounds.
  2. First in order or time; earliest.
    • Children attend primary school from ages five to eleven.
    • The primary stage of the experiment involves gathering data.
    • The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow.
  3. Relating to education for young children, typically ages 5–11.
    • Primary education focuses on basic reading, writing, and math.
    • Many primary schools offer after-school art programs.
    • She works as a primary school teacher in a small town.
Antonyms
noun
  1. An election in which voters choose candidates for a later election.
    • Voters in the state will go to the polls for the primary next Tuesday.
    • She won the primary and will run for governor in November.
    • The primary determines which candidates appear on the general election ballot.
  2. A primary color (red, blue, or yellow).
    • The artist used only primaries in her painting.
    • Mixing two primaries creates a secondary color.
    • Yellow is a primary that can be mixed with blue to make green.