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Definition of primitive
1a : not derived : original, primaryb : assumed as a basis; especially : axiomatic primitive concepts
2a : of or relating to the earliest age or period : primeval the primitive churchb : closely approximating an early ancestral type : little evolved primitive mammalsc : belonging to or characteristic of an early stage of development : crude, rudimentary primitive technologyd : of, relating to, or constituting the assumed parent speech of related languages primitive Germanic
3a : elemental, natural our primitive feelings of vengeance — John Mackwoodb now sometimes offensive : of, relating to, or produced by a people or culture that is nonindustrial and often nonliterate and tribal primitive artc : naived (1) : self-taught, untutored primitive craftsmen (2) : produced by a self-taught artist a primitive painting
primitively
adverbprimitiveness
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of primitive in a Sentence
the time when primitive man first learned to use fire
The technology they used was primitive and outdated.
The camp had only a primitive outdoor toilet.
Recent Examples of primitive from the Web
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A lot of the campgrounds are primitive, and lack some common amenities - including water.
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South Beach Campground, a primitive campground located just south of Kalaloch is open through September 25.
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Constructed in front of the stone ruins of the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park in Ellicott City, that caveman-evocative set provides a suitably primitive stomping ground for the monstrous Caliban.
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Can primitive materials bring us closer to our origins?
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The lake features a boat ramp, fishing pier, restrooms, concessions, bait and tackle and primitive camping.
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Just what makes bats special is still unclear; there are many competing hypotheses, from a primitive immune system to echolocation creating droplet clouds that help spread viruses.
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The large family spent the winter living in primitive campers and cramped containers with makeshift bathrooms and kitchenettes.
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Outside, there's a 1.1 mile boardwalk as well as primitive trails through the woods.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'primitive'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of primitive
Middle English primitif, from Latin primitivus first formed, from primitiae first fruits, from primus first — more at prime
Other Biology Terms
primitive
Definition of primitive
1a : something primitive; specifically : a primitive idea, term, or propositionb : a root word
2a (1) : an artist of an early period of a culture or artistic movement (2) : a later imitator or follower of such an artistb (1) : a self-taught artist (2) : an artist whose work is marked by directness and naïvetéc : a work of art produced by a primitive artistd : a typically rough or simple usually handmade and antique home accessory or furnishing
3a : a member of a primitive peopleb : an unsophisticated person
Examples of primitive in a Sentence
The museum is known for its collection of American primitives.
Recent Examples of primitive from the Web
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Today, conservatism is soiled by scowling primitives whose irritable gestures lack mental ingredients.
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Friday’s lineup includes Modern Primitives, Hectorina, Asheville’s Marley Carroll, and Party Dad.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'primitive'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
15th Century
First Known Use of primitive
15th century
Other Anthropology Terms
PRIMITIVE Defined for English Language Learners
primitive
playDefinition of primitive for English Language Learners
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: of, belonging to, or seeming to come from an early time in the very ancient past
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: not having a written language, advanced technology, etc.
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: very simple and basic : made or done in a way that is not modern and that does not show much skill
primitive
Definition of primitive for English Language Learners
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: an artist who makes art in a simple style that is childlike; also : the art made by such an artist
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: someone who belongs to a primitive society
PRIMITIVE Defined for Kids
primitive
playDefinition of primitive for Students
1 : of or belonging to very early times primitive cultures
2 : of or belonging to an early stage of development primitive tools
Word Root of primitive
The Latin word primus, meaning “first,” gives us the root prim. Words from the Latin primus have something to do with being first. Anything primary comes first in importance or order. Anything primeval belongs to a period of time that came first, before the present. Anything primitive also belongs to an earlier time.
Medical Dictionary
primitive
playMedical Definition of primitive
1: closely approximating an early ancestral type : little evolved
2: belonging to or characteristic of an early stage of development primitive cells
primitively
adverbLearn More about primitive
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for primitive Spanish Central: Translation of primitive Nglish: Translation of primitive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of primitive for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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