primal

pri·mal

adj \ˈprī-məl\

Definition of PRIMAL

1

: original, primitive <village life continued in its primal innocence — Van Wyck Brooks>

2

: first in importance : primary

Examples of PRIMAL

1. <the primal theme of the essay is toleration of religious diversity>
2. <there was a period of primal idealism after the founding of the republic and before the rise of partisan politics>

Origin of PRIMAL

Medieval Latin primalis, from Latin primus first — more at prime

First Known Use: 1602

Related to PRIMAL

Synonyms: arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, foremost, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme

Antonyms: last, least

Related Words: distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior; high-level, senior, top; important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant; incomparable, matchless, unequaled (or unequalled), unparalleled, unsurpassed; celebrated, famed, famous, renowned

Near Antonyms: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant; collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide