primitive

adjective
UK: /ˈprɪm.ɪ.tɪv/
US: /ˈprɪm.ɪ.tɪv/

  1. Relating to a simple way of life that existed in the past and does not have modern technology

    1. They live a primitive life in the forest far away from civilization.
    2. The tribe still uses primitive methods for hunting and gathering food every day.

  2. Simple and not very developed or complex

    1. This tool is a primitive example of early technology.
    2. The first computers were very primitive compared to what we have now, but they were useful.

  3. Relating to an early stage in the development of humans or animals

    1. The cave paintings are a primitive form of art.
    2. Archaeologists found primitive tools dating back thousands of years ago proving existence.

Synonyms

rudimentary basic unsophisticated crude simple
primitive noun

  1. Something from a long time ago that is simple or basic

    1. This old tool is a primitive.
    2. The museum has many primitives from early human history that show living way.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "primitive" in English means: Relating to a simple way of life that existed in the past and does not have modern technology, Simple and not very developed or complex, Relating to an early stage in the development of humans or animals.

The phonetic transcription of "primitive" is /ˈprɪm.ɪ.tɪv/ in British English and /ˈprɪm.ɪ.tɪv/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "primitive": rudimentary, basic, unsophisticated, crude, simple.

Example usage of "primitive": "They live a primitive life in the forest far away from civilization.". More examples on the page.