adj

primordial

preye-MAW-dee-uhl

Primordial (adj) means existing from the very beginning; original and fundamental. Example: “Scientists study the primordial soup thought to have given rise to life on Earth.”

adj

Existing from the very beginning; original and fundamental.

"Scientists study the primordial soup thought to have given rise to life on Earth."

"There's a primordial quality to the silence of an ancient forest."

How to use primordial

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFrom the very first origins of something — the earliest possible starting point.

Easily confused with

primeval → primitive →

Common pairings

primordial soup primordial state primordial ooze

Word forms

primordials plural

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Fill the gap

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Scientists study the _____ soup thought to have given rise to life on Earth.

Etymology

From Latin prīmōrdiālis, "of the beginning."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for primordial

dial trial aerial serial filial denial medial racial social burial facial menial

See all rhymes for primordial →

Frequently asked questions

What does “primordial” mean?

The word “primordial” means existing from the very beginning; original and fundamental. In plain terms, from the very first origins of something — the earliest possible starting point.

How do you pronounce “primordial”?

“Primordial” is pronounced preye-MAW-dee-uhl (/pɹaɪˈmɔɹ.di.əl/ in IPA).

How do you use “primordial” in a sentence?

Here is “primordial” used in a sentence: “Scientists study the primordial soup thought to have given rise to life on Earth.”

What part of speech is “primordial”?

“Primordial” is an adjective.

Where does the word “primordial” come from?

The word “primordial” comes from Latin. From Latin prīmōrdiālis, "of the beginning.".