secondary processes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumFormal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “secondary processes” mean?
Activities, functions, or procedures that are not primary or central.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Activities, functions, or procedures that are not primary or central; operations that are subsequent, supplementary, or of lesser importance.
1. In psychology/psychoanalysis: The rational, logical, reality-oriented thought processes (Sigmund Freud). 2. In manufacturing/industry: Follow-up operations that refine, assemble, or finish a product after the main production stages. 3. In biology: Metabolic or physiological functions that are supportive rather than essential for immediate survival. 4. In business/organizations: Supporting functions like administration, maintenance, or quality control that are not core revenue-generating activities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling and phrasing differences follow general BrE/AmE conventions (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center' in related text).
Connotations
Equally formal and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in AmE academic/business texts due to higher prevalence of process-management terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “secondary processes” in a Sentence
[Subject] involves/requires/includes secondary processes such as...The secondary processes of [Field] are...Secondary processes follow/come after [Primary Process].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secondary processes” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The secondary process stage is crucial for quality.
- We need a secondary-process analysis.
American English
- The secondary process stage is critical for quality.
- We need a secondary-process analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to administrative, HR, or support functions not directly involved in production or sales.
Academic
Used in psychology (Freudian theory), biology, engineering, and management studies.
Everyday
Rarely used. Might be paraphrased as 'extra steps' or 'background tasks'.
Technical
Precise term in manufacturing for finishing (e.g., painting, assembly) and in psychoanalysis for rational thought.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secondary processes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secondary processes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secondary processes”
- Using 'secondary process' (singular) when the concept is inherently plural. Confusing it with 'second-hand processes'. Using it in casual conversation where it sounds overly technical.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is predominantly used in technical, academic, or business contexts. It is not typical in everyday conversation.
Primary processes are central, essential, and come first. Secondary processes are supportive, subsequent, and of lesser immediate importance.
It is possible but rare. The concept usually involves multiple steps or functions, so the plural is far more common.
It is neutral, denoting function and order. However, it can imply something is less critical, which in some contexts might be perceived negatively.
Activities, functions, or procedures that are not primary or central.
Secondary processes is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Secondary processes: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənd(ə)ri ˈprəʊsɛsɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənˌdɛri ˈprɑsɛsɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SECONDARY school coming AFTER primary school. SECONDARY processes come AFTER or are LESS important than the primary ones.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROCESSES ARE A CHAIN (where secondary links are farther down), IMPORTANCE IS CENTRALITY (secondary processes are peripheral).
Practice
Quiz
In a manufacturing context, which of these is most likely a 'secondary process'?