The term "primary" refers to something that is first in importance, order, or rank. It is often used to describe the main or most significant element in a particular context. For example, in education, a primary school is the first level of formal education for children, typically covering early childhood to around age eleven. In various fields, "primary" can also denote the initial stage of a process. In politics, primary elections are held to determine a party's candidate for an upcoming general election. These elections are crucial as they shape the choices available to voters in the final election.