Spanish Conversation · Level 96
60 words
Spanish word
secundario
Pronunciation
IPA/sekunˈdaɾjo/
Meaning
- adjectivesecondary
Example
Este detalle es secundario.
This detail is secondary.
More examples
Tiene un papel secundario en la película.
He has a supporting role in the film.
Core concept
A nonessential complement attached to a primary thing.
Common phrases
efecto secundario
side effect
papel secundario
supporting role
prioridad secundaria
secondary priority
Similar words
auxiliar: Functions as a helper or assistant to a main system or person.
adicional: Extra element appended later to supplement something.
accesorio: Accessory piece attached to a main item for support or decoration.
menor: Relatively minor in importance, influence, or scale.
Definition in Spanish
Señala que algo acompaña o complementa a otra cosa principal sin ser esencial.
Word origin
From Latin secundarius 'following', formed from secundus 'second' plus the adjectival suffix -arius meaning 'relating to', which produced the sense 'relating to the second' and then 'subordinate'.
Usage tips
- The feminine noun la secundaria often denotes a secondary school in many Spanish-speaking countries, so context determines whether the word names rank or an educational institution.