Primeval Meaning in English

word

US

pɹaɪˈmivəɫ

pry-MEE-vuhl

UK

pɹaɪmˈiːvəl

pry-MEE-vuhl

Definition

Relating to the earliest ages or stages of the world; very ancient or original, often describing things like forests, creatures, or feelings.

Usage & Nuances

Formal and literary term, used to evoke something ancient, untouched, or from the earliest times. Common with 'primeval forest', 'primeval times', or 'primeval instinct'. Not used for recent history or everyday old things.

• Spanish: primigenio - primitivo
• Portuguese (BR): primevo - primitivo (antigo)
• Portuguese (PT): primevo - primitivo (antigo)
• Chinese (Simplified): 原始的 - 太古的
• Chinese (Traditional): 原始的 - 太古的
• Hindi: प्राचीन - आदिम
• Arabic: بدائي - قديم جداً
• Bengali: আদিম - আদিযুগের
• Russian: древний - первобытный
• Japanese: 原初の - 太古の
• Vietnamese: nguyên sơ - nguyên thủy
• Korean: 태고의 - 원시의
• Turkish: ilkel - ilk çağlara ait
• Urdu: ازلی - ابتدائی
• Indonesian: nguyên sơ - nguyên thủy

Example Sentences

The dinosaur lived in a primeval world.

basic

This forest is full of primeval trees.

basic

She felt a primeval fear in the darkness.

basic

It was like standing in a primeval jungle, untouched by humans.

natural

There's something primeval about the way the wolves howl at night.

natural

When he saw the fire, a primeval instinct took over.

natural