What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
collaterally
Example
The company's profits increased collaterally as a result of their new marketing strategy. [collaterally: adverb]
Example
The environmental benefits of the project were collaterally achieved through the reduction of waste. [collaterally: adverb]
secondarily
Example
Her main job is teaching, and she only secondarily works as a freelance writer. [secondarily: adverb]
Example
The study focused primarily on the effects of exercise and only secondarily considered diet. [secondarily: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Secondarily is more commonly used than collaterally in everyday language. Secondarily is versatile and can be used in various contexts to indicate a subordinate or secondary role. Collaterally is less common and is typically used in more technical or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between collaterally and secondarily?
Both collaterally and secondarily can be used in formal contexts, but collaterally is more commonly used in technical or legal writing, while secondarily is more widely used in everyday language.