Primitive

/ˈpɹɪmɪtɪv/ · noun

Meaning

(linguistics) An original or primary word; a word not derived from another, as opposed to derivative..

Definitions by Sense

1. (linguistics) An original or primary word; a word not derived from another, as opposed to derivative.
2. A member of a primitive society.
3. Primitive or primeval nature; the innate, instinctive element within a person; the deep, instinctive, precultural layer of human nature.
4. Natural or premodern environment or conditions; life lacking modern technology and society.
5. A simple-minded person.
6. (programming) A data type that is built into the programming language, as opposed to more complex structures.
7. (programming) Any of the simplest elements (instructions, statements, etc.) available in a programming language.
8. A basic geometric shape from which more complex shapes can be constructed.

Example Sentences

It may be that, living among primitive surroundings, the dormant primitive deep within the white man is drawn towards the absolute primitive in the aboriginal.

Out there in the primitive, white-man Rust had made his tools out of the primitive, as these stone-age people were making excellent string from the primitive.

A write-what-where primitive allows the attacker to write arbitrary data wherever they want in the memory

primitive innocence; the primitive church

it is from such primitive beings that the highest organisms now extant are the marvellously developed descendants

"The cranium is clearly plesiomorphic in overall form, presenting primitive traits shared by earlier hominins," the authors wrote.

a primitive style of dress

By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect.

Synonyms for primitive

Antonyms for primitive

Related Words

Word Forms

• primitives
• primative
• more primitive
• most primitive

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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