Second vs. Secondly: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Second" is primarily a noun or adjective indicating order or a unit of time, while "Secondly" is an adverb used to introduce a second point or reason.
Key Differences
Second" serves as a noun or adjective, often denoting a position in an order or a time measurement. For instance, "He finished second in the race" shows its use as an ordinal number. Conversely, "Secondly" is used as an adverb, specifically to introduce the second point in a list or argument, as in, "Firstly, we need to address the budget; secondly, we must consider the timeline."
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Nov 19, 2023
As an adjective or noun, "Second" can modify a noun or act as a subject or object, like in "The second chapter is interesting." On the other hand, "Secondly" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, and is primarily used in formal or structured writing or speech, as in, "Secondly, the data supports our hypothesis."
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Nov 19, 2023
"Second" is versatile, appearing in diverse contexts such as sports ("He came in second place"), timekeeping ("Wait a second"), or hierarchy ("He is my second choice"). "Secondly," however, is more restricted in use, commonly found in academic, formal, or structured writing and speeches, guiding the flow of ideas or arguments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
The word "Second" has various meanings and uses, including indicating a backup option as in "He is my second choice for the team," or a brief moment in time, "Just give me a second." "Secondly" lacks this variety, strictly serving as a sequential marker in discourse, emphasizing the order of points or arguments.
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Nov 19, 2023
Both words derive from the Latin "secundus" meaning following or next in order. "Second" has evolved to encompass meanings related to time, order, and choice. "Secondly," however, has retained a more narrow evolution, primarily used to denote the second item in a sequence, especially in formal or written contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage Context
Time, order, alternatives
Introducing a second point or argument
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Nov 19, 2023
Variability in Meaning
High (time, order, alternative)
Low (mostly sequential marking)
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Nov 19, 2023
Common Contexts
Everyday speech, sports, timekeeping
Formal writing, structured speeches
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Nov 19, 2023
Example Sentence
"He finished second."
"Secondly, we must consider the timeline."
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Nov 19, 2023
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Second and Secondly Definitions
Secondly
Introduces the second point
Firstly, we analyze the data; secondly, we draw conclusions.
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Secondly
Used in structured arguments or presentations
Secondly, the theory contradicts established facts.
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Secondly
Signposts a subsequent point in a list
Firstly, our objectives; secondly, our strategies.
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Secondly
Helps in clarifying order of points
Secondly, we must address the budget concerns.
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Nov 19, 2023
Second
The time needed for a cesium-133 atom to perform 9,192,631,770 complete oscillations. See Table at measurement.
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Oct 19, 2023
Secondly
Emphasizes the position in a sequence
Secondly, let's consider the environmental impact.
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Nov 19, 2023
Second
(Mathematics) A unit of angular measure equal to one sixtieth of a minute. In this sense, also called arcsecond, second of arc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
The transmission gear or gear ratio used to produce forward speeds higher than those of first and lower than those of third in a motor vehicle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Coming next after the first in order, place, rank, time, or quality.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Reminiscent of one that is well known
A second George Washington.
A second Waterloo.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Inferior to another; subordinate
Second vice president at the bank.
A leader second to none.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
To endorse (a motion or nomination) as a required preliminary to discussion or vote.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
To support or promote
Her suggestion was seconded by several colleagues.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
(sĭ-kŏnd) Chiefly British To transfer (a military officer, for example) temporarily.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Number-two; following after the first one with nothing between them. The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number two.
He lives on Second Street.
The second volume in "The Lord of the Rings" series is called "The Two Towers".
You take the first one, and I'll have the second.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Next to the first in value, power, excellence, dignity, or rank; secondary; subordinate; inferior.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Being of the same kind as one that has preceded; another.
Residents of Texas prepared for Hurricane Harvey, which would in some ways turn out to become the second Hurricane Katrina.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
(with superlative) After the first; at the second rank.
Saturn is the second largest planet.
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Second
After the first occurrence but before the third.
He is batting second today.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Something that is next in rank, quality, precedence, position, status, or authority.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
A manufactured item that, though still usable, fails to meet quality control standards.
They were discounted because they contained blemishes, nicks or were otherwise factory seconds.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
An additional helping of food.
That was good barbecue. I hope I can get seconds.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
A chance or attempt to achieve what should have been done the first time, usually indicating success this time around. (See second-guess.)
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
(music) The interval between two adjacent notes in a diatonic scale (either or both of them may be raised or lowered from the basic scale via any type of accidental).
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
The agent of a party to an honour dispute whose role was to try to resolve the dispute or to make the necessary arrangements for a duel.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
One-sixtieth of a minute; the SI unit of time, defined as the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of radiation corresponding to the transition between two hyperfine levels of caesium-133 in a ground state at a temperature of absolute zero and at rest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
A unit of angle equal to one-sixtieth of a minute of arc or one part in 3600 of a degree.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
(informal) A short, indeterminate amount of time.
I'll be there in a second.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
One who supports another in a contest or combat, such as a dueller's assistant.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
One who supports or seconds a motion, or the act itself, as required in certain meetings to pass judgement etc.
If we want the motion to pass, we will need a second.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
(transitive) To agree as a second person to (a proposal), usually to reach a necessary quorum of two. (See under #Etymology 3 for translations.)
I second the motion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
To transfer temporarily to alternative employment.
The army officer was seconded while he held civil office.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
(transitive) To agree as a second person to (a proposal), usually to reach a necessary quorum of two. (This may come from the English adjective above.)
I second the motion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Immediately following the first; next to the first in order of place or time; hence, occurring again; another; other.
And he slept and dreamed the second time.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Next to the first in value, power, excellence, dignity, or rank; secondary; subordinate; inferior.
May the day when we become the second people upon earth . . . be the day of our utter extirpation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Being of the same kind as another that has preceded; another, like a prototype; as, a second Cato; a second Troy; a second deluge.
A Daniel, still say I, a second Daniel!
On second thoughts, gentlemen, I don't wish you had known him.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
One who, or that which, follows, or comes after; one next and inferior in place, time, rank, importance, excellence, or power.
ManAn angel's second, nor his second long.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
One who follows or attends another for his support and aid; a backer; an assistant; specifically, one who acts as another's aid in a duel.
Being sure enough of seconds after the first onset.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
An article of merchandise of a grade inferior to the best; esp., a coarse or inferior kind of flour.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
The sixtieth part of a minute of time or of a minute of space, that is, the second regular subdivision of the degree; as, sound moves about 1,140 English feet in a second; five minutes and ten seconds north of this place.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
The interval between any tone and the tone which is represented on the degree of the staff next above it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
A motion in support of another motion which has been moved in a deliberative body; a motion without a second dies without discussion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
To follow in the next place; to succeed; to alternate.
In the method of nature, a low valley is immediately seconded with an ambitious hill.
Sin is seconded with sin.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
To follow or attend for the purpose of assisting; to support; to back; to act as the second of; to assist; to forward; to encourage.
We have supplies to second our attempt.
In human works though labored on with pain,A thousand movements scarce one purpose gain;In God's, one single can its end produce,Yet serves to second too some other use.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
To support, as a motion{6} or proposal, by adding one's voice to that of the mover or proposer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
An indefinitely short time;
Wait just a moment
It only takes a minute
In just a bit
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
The fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed near 2nd base
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Following the first in an ordering or series;
He came in a close second
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
A 60th part of a minute of arc;
The treasure is 2 minutes and 45 seconds south of here
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
The gear that has the second lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle;
He had to shift down into second to make the hill
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Merchandise that has imperfections; usually sold at a reduced price without the brand name
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Give support or one's approval to;
I'll second that motion
I can't back this plan
Endorse a new project
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Second
Transfer an employee to a different, temporary assignment;
The officer was seconded for duty overseas
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
Coming next after the first in position in space or time or degree or magnitude
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Oct 19, 2023
Second
A part or voice or instrument or orchestra section lower in pitch than or subordinate to the first;
Second flute
The second violins
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How is 'second' used in parliamentary procedure?
It's used to endorse a motion for discussion.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can 'second' indicate an alternative choice?
Yes, it can signify another option or preference.
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Nov 19, 2023
What does 'second' mean in time measurement?
It's a unit of time, 1/60th of a minute.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is 'second' used in music?
Yes, as an interval between adjacent musical notes.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is 'secondly' used in everyday conversation?
Less frequently, more common in formal writing or speeches.
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Nov 19, 2023
What's the primary role of 'secondly' in speech?
To structure and order points made.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is 'second' used in hierarchical contexts?
Yes, to denote rank or preference order.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is 'secondly' ever used in informal contexts?
Rarely, as it's more formal and structured.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
How does context affect the use of 'second'?
It can mean time, order, or choice, depending on context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Is 'secondly' appropriate in academic writing?
Yes, especially in structured or argumentative texts.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can 'secondly' introduce a point in an argument?
Yes, it's often used to introduce the second point.
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Nov 19, 2023
Does 'secondly' imply a specific order?
Yes, it specifically refers to the second item in a sequence.
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Nov 19, 2023
Does 'secondly' have multiple meanings?
No, it's mainly used for sequential marking.
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Nov 19, 2023
Does 'secondly' change form in different tenses?
No, as an adverb, it remains constant.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can 'second' be a verb?
Rarely, mostly in specific contexts like "to second a motion."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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