prime

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.

“Prime” is pronounced prym (/pɹaɪ̯m/ in IPA).

Here is “prime” used in a sentence: “This waterfront lot is prime real estate.”

Depending on how it is used, “prime” can be an adjective and a verb.

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.".

“Prime” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Prime” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: of the highest quality or importance; excellent.

"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.

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.

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.

"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.