primitivism

noun

prim·​i·​tiv·​ism ˈpri-mə-ti-ˌvi-zəm 

1

: primitive practices or procedures

also : a primitive quality or state

2

a

: belief in the superiority of a simple way of life close to nature

b

: belief in the superiority of nonindustrial society to that of the present

3

: the style of art of primitive peoples or primitive artists

primitivist

ˈpri-mə-ti-vist 

noun or adjective

primitivistic

ˌpri-mə-ti-ˈvi-stik 

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Its earthy primitivism, with lurching rhythms, barbaric yawps and garish shrieks, is news that has stayed news, to borrow Ezra Pound’s phrase. —Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 21 Apr. 2023

Many of the clubs, like the Cotton Club and the Ubangi Club, had names that smacked of primitivism. —Dr. Cookie Woolner, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Mar. 2023

Not surprisingly, the aesthetic Adams fashioned in this austere crucible prizes the elemental in music, but does so without retreating into a cave of unthinking primitivism. —Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2015

Parkipuny reclaimed the imagery of primitivism using the language of indigeneity. —Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 20 Feb. 2023

There are many schools of anarchism, most only partly reconcilable with the others: anarcho-syndicalism, anarcho-communism, primitivism, cooperativism, and so on. —Alan Jacobs, Harper’s Magazine , 9 Nov. 2022

Lacking Pippin’s political edge, primitivism and variety, Kane’s more conventional pictures, though sometimes fussy with details, consistently achieve more spatial clarity and light. —Lance Esplund, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2022

What attracts them is the primitivism, redeemed by charm. —Dan Neil, WSJ, 6 Jan. 2022

What attracts them all is the formula’s stubborn, sentimental primitivism, redeemed by charm. —Dan Neil, WSJ, 6 Jan. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

primitive entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1