What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subessential
Example
Oxygen is subessential for human survival. [subessential: adjective]
Example
The subessential components of a computer include the motherboard, processor, and memory. [subessential: noun]
secondary
Example
The secondary objective of the project was to increase customer satisfaction. [secondary: adjective]
Example
The secondary function of a smartphone is to take photos and videos. [secondary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Secondary is more commonly used than subessential in everyday language. Secondary is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while subessential is more technical and specific, and is often used in specialized fields such as science, engineering, or medicine.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subessential and secondary?
Subessential is a more formal word than secondary. It is often used in technical or academic writing, while secondary can be used in both formal and informal contexts.