primitive
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for primitive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Belonging to an early stage of development; basic or unrefined.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use primitive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin prīmitīvus, "first or earliest of its kind," from prīmus ("first").
Full origin of primitive →Frequently asked questions
What does “primitive” mean?
The word “primitive” means belonging to an early stage of development; basic or unrefined. In plain terms, very basic, early, or unrefined — or, in tech, a fundamental building-block type.
How do you pronounce “primitive”?
“Primitive” is pronounced PRIH-mih-tihv (/ˈpɹɪmɪtɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “primitive” in a sentence?
Here is “primitive” used in a sentence: “They lived in primitive conditions with no running water.”
What part of speech is “primitive”?
Depending on how it is used, “primitive” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “primitive” come from?
The word “primitive” comes from Latin. From Latin prīmitīvus, "first or earliest of its kind," from prīmus ("first").
Is “primitive” a common word?
“Primitive” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “primitive” have?
“Primitive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: belonging to an early stage of development; basic or unrefined.
What is the difference between primitive and primeval?
Primitive describes something belonging to an early stage of development, or something basic and unrefined, and can apply to tools, societies, or technology. Primeval more specifically refers to the earliest ages of the world's existence, with a stronger sense of ancient, prehistoric time.
What does primitive mean in computing?
In computing, a primitive is a basic data type or simple building block, such as an integer or boolean, from which more complex data structures are constructed.
Is primitive an insulting word to use about people or cultures?
Primitive can carry negative or dismissive connotations when applied to people, societies, or cultures, since it implies a lack of development compared to a supposed standard. Many writers now avoid the term in that context in favour of more neutral, specific language.