adj
primeval
preye-MEE-vuhl
adj
1
Belonging to the earliest ages of the world; ancient and primitive.
"The explorers pushed deep into the primeval forest."
"Primeval humans relied on fire for warmth and protection."
How to Use Primeval
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFrom the very earliest times — ancient, untouched, original.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
primeval forest
primeval swamp
primeval instinct
Word Forms
more primeval comparative, most primeval superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “primeval”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The explorers pushed deep into the _____ forest.
Etymology
From Latin primaevus, "in the earliest period of life," from prīmus ("first") and aevum ("age, time").