Primitive

/pɹˈɪmɪtˌɪv/

/ˈpɹɪmətɪv/, /ˈpɹɪmɪtɪv/

Definition & Meaning of "primitive"

primitive

ADJECTIVE

characteristic of an early stage of human or animal evolution

Example

Primitive man relied on basic survival skills, such as hunting and gathering.

Fossils of primitive animals give insight into Earth 's early history.

The island 's ecosystem still contains primitive species that have remained unchanged for centuries.

related or belonging to a society or way of life without modern industry, etc.

uncivilized

Example

The primitive community had no access to electricity or running water.

The explorers were fascinated by the primitive customs they encountered on the island.

In primitive societies, people often lived off the land and used simple tools for survival.

basic and simple, lacking modern features or advancements

Example

The primitive cabin had no electricity or running water.

The primitive healthcare system depended on herbal remedies and spiritual healing.

Their primitive understanding of medicine relied on natural remedies and superstitions.

(of an art style) simple and naive, intentionally avoiding refined techniques

naive

Example

The artist adopted a primitive style, using bold colors and basic shapes.

The gallery 's collection included primitive paintings that celebrated the beauty of unsophisticated techniques.

The primitive sculptures had a rough, unrefined quality that conveyed raw energy.

(of behavior or feelings) instinctual, originating from unconscious needs or desires

primal

primeval

primordial

Primitive

NOUN

a base word or root from which other words are historically derived or formed

Example

Linguists study primitives to trace the evolution of languages.

Many English words can be traced back to Latin primitives.

an algebraic or geometric expression or curve from which a related expression, like a polar or reciprocal, is derived

Example

The original equation served as the primitive for deriving more complex functions.

He analyzed the properties of the primitive to understand the behavior of its derivatives.

a person who belongs to an early or undeveloped society

Old use

Example

The Stone Age primitive used basic weapons made from rocks and bones.

The archaeologists discovered the remains of a Stone Age primitive.

The anthropologist studied the customs and lifestyle of ancient primitives.

an artist who creates artwork that is simple and unrefined, often resembling the style of a child's drawings

4.1

a work of art that displays a simple, unrefined style, with basic forms and minimal detail

an artist from the period before the Renaissance, characterized by a simpler, more symbolic style

5.1

an example of artwork from the period before the Renaissance, often characterized by its symbolic, flat style and lack of perspective

Example

Primitive man relied on basic survival skills, such as hunting and gathering.

Fossils of primitive animals give insight into Earth's early history.

The island's ecosystem still contains primitive species that have remained unchanged for centuries.

The cave paintings depict the life of primitive man.

The discovery of primitive plants helped scientists understand ancient ecosystems.

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Definition & Meaning of "primitive"

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