prime
prym
Prime (adj) means of the highest quality or importance; excellent. Example: “The restaurant is in a prime location, right beside the main station.”
adj
1
Of the highest quality or importance; excellent.
"The restaurant is in a prime location, right beside the main station."
"This waterfront lot is prime real estate."
"He's in prime physical condition for his age."
2
(mathematics) Of a number, divisible only by itself and one.
"Eleven is a prime number, so you cannot split it into equal groups."
"The teacher asked the class to list every prime number below twenty."
"Seven is a prime number because nothing but 1 and 7 divides it evenly."
verb
1
To prepare something for use, especially by applying an initial coat or by getting it ready in advance.
"Prime the surface with a thin coat of paint so the colour sticks."
"You should prime the wall before painting it."
"The coach primed the team for the big match with a pep talk."
How to use prime
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAt its best or most important, being a number only divisible by itself and one, or getting something ready beforehand.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the verb prime (to prepare, as in "prime a wall" or "prime someone for a task") with primp (to fuss over one's appearance).
Common pairings
prime example
prime number
prime real estate
prime the pump
prime minister
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Word forms
- Plural
- primes
- Third person singular
- primes
- Past tense
- primed
- Comparative
- primer
- Superlative
- primest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The restaurant is in a _____ location, right beside the main station.
Etymology
From Old French prime, from Latin prīmus ("first"), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European roots meaning "before" or "in front."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for prime
See all rhymes for prime →Frequently asked questions
What does “prime” mean?
The word “prime” means of the highest quality or importance; excellent. In plain terms, at its best or most important, being a number only divisible by itself and one, or getting something ready beforehand.
How do you pronounce “prime”?
“Prime” is pronounced prym (/pɹaɪ̯m/ in IPA).
How do you use “prime” in a sentence?
Here is “prime” used in a sentence: “This waterfront lot is prime real estate.”
What part of speech is “prime”?
Depending on how it is used, “prime” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “prime” come from?
The word “prime” comes from Latin. From Old French prime, from Latin prīmus ("first"), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European roots meaning "before" or "in front.".
Is “prime” a common word?
“Prime” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “prime” have?
“Prime” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: of the highest quality or importance; excellent.
What is the difference between "prime" and "primary"?
"Prime" means of the highest quality or greatest importance, as in prime beef or a prime example. "Primary" means first in order or most basic, as in primary school or primary colors. They overlap around the idea of "main," but prime stresses excellence while primary stresses being first.
What does "prime" mean in different contexts?
As an adjective, "prime" means top quality or chief importance, as in a prime location, prime suspect, or prime time. In mathematics, a prime number is divisible only by one and itself. As a verb, to prime means to prepare something, such as priming a wall before painting.
Is "prime" a positive word?
As an adjective, yes, since it strongly signals the best or most desirable, as in prime real estate, prime condition, or being in one's prime. The mainly neutral uses are technical, such as a "prime number" in mathematics or "priming" a surface, where it just means first or to prepare.
What is an example of "prime" in a sentence?
"The shop is in a prime location downtown" means the best, most desirable spot. "He's a prime example of hard work" means an ideal, standout case. Both show "prime" used to mean of the highest quality or importance.
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