primitive Meaning & Definition
What Does Primitive Mean?
Primitive is used as a noun meaning An original or primary word; a word not derived from another, as opposed to derivative. It can also mean A member of a primitive society. As an adjective, it means Of or pertaining to the beginning or origin, or to early times; original; primordial; primeval; first. As an adjective, it means (grammar) Original; primary; radical; not derived.
Word Facts for Primitive
| Part of speech | noun, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈpɹɪmɪtɪv// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | crude, archaic and simple |
| Antonyms | derivative and derived |
| Plural | primitives |
| Comparative / superlative | more primitive, most primitive |
Primitive Definition (Noun)
- An original or primary word; a word not derived from another, as opposed to derivative.
- A member of a primitive society.
- Primitive or primeval nature; the innate, instinctive element within a person; the deep, instinctive, precultural layer of human nature.
- Natural or premodern environment or conditions; life lacking modern technology and society.
- A simple-minded person.
- A data type that is built into the programming language, as opposed to more complex structures.
- Any of the simplest elements (instructions, statements, etc.) available in a programming language.
- A basic geometric shape from which more complex shapes can be constructed.
- A function whose derivative is a given function; an antiderivative.
Primitive as an Adjective
- Of or pertaining to the beginning or origin, or to early times; original; primordial; primeval; first.
primitive innocence; the primitive church
- Of or pertaining to or harking back to a former time; old-fashioned; characterized by simplicity.
a primitive style of dress
- Relating to an art style characterized by asymmetrical shapes and faded colors.
I used primitive hearts to decorate the quilt.
- Crude, obsolete.
primitive ideas
- Original; primary; radical; not derived.
a primitive verb
- Occurring in or characteristic of an early stage of development or evolution.
- Not derived from another of the same type
- most recent common ancestor (often hypothetical) of
Adjective
- (grammar) Original; primary; radical; not derived.
a primitive verb
Synonyms of Primitive
Antonyms of Primitive
Primitive in a Sentence
primitive innocence; the primitive church
a primitive style of dress
I used primitive hearts to decorate the quilt.
primitive ideas
a primitive verb
The primitive root in "children" is "child."
Word Forms & Grammar
primitive (plural primitives)
primitive (comparative more primitive, superlative most primitive)
Words That Rhyme With Primitive
Origin of Primitive
From Middle English primitif, from Old French primitif, from Latin prīmitīvus (“first or earliest of its kind”), from prīmus (“first”); see prime. Doublet of primitivo.
How Do You Say Primitive?
You say primitive as //ˈpɹɪmɪtɪv//. It has 1 syllable.
Primitive: Your Questions Answered
Is primitive a noun or an adjective?
Primitive is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective.
What is another word for primitive?
Words with a similar meaning to primitive include crude, archaic and simple. See the full list of primitive synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of primitive?
The opposite of primitive can be expressed with words like derivative and derived.
What is the plural of primitive?
The plural of primitive is primitives.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of primitive?
The comparative form is more primitive and the superlative form is most primitive.