prim
11 synonyms and 2 antonyms for prim, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Stiffly formal, neat, and overly proper in manner or appearance.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use prim
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
prim and proper
prim posture
a prim little smile
Etymology
Of uncertain origin, first appearing in English around 1700; possibly related to primp and prink.
Full origin of prim →Frequently asked questions
What does “prim” mean?
The word “prim” means stiffly formal, neat, and overly proper in manner or appearance. In plain terms, very neat, formal, and proper — often to the point of seeming stiff or a bit uptight.
How do you pronounce “prim”?
“Prim” is pronounced prihm (/pɹɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “prim” in a sentence?
Here is “prim” used in a sentence: “She sat with prim posture, hands folded in her lap.”
What part of speech is “prim”?
Depending on how it is used, “prim” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “prim” come from?
The word “prim” dates back to around 1700. Of uncertain origin, first appearing in English around 1700; possibly related to primp and prink.
How many meanings does “prim” have?
“Prim” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: stiffly formal, neat, and overly proper in manner or appearance.
