primitive
word
/ˈpɹɪmətɪv/
PRI-muh-tiv
/pɹˈɪmɪtˌɪv/
PRI-mi-tiv
Definition
Describes something that belongs to an early stage of development, or something simple and basic, not advanced or modern.
Usage & Nuances
Often used to describe early human societies ('primitive tools', 'primitive art'), or anything basic, old-fashioned, or lacking technology. Can be seen as negative if used about people—considered outdated or even offensive.
Spanish: primitivo - primarioPortuguese (BR): primitivoPortuguese (PT): primitivoChinese (Simplified): 原始的Chinese (Traditional): 原始的Hindi: आदिम - मूलभूतArabic: بدائي - بسيطBengali: আদিম - প্রাথমিক - অপরিণতRussian: примитивный - первобытныйJapanese: 原始的 - 未発達のVietnamese: nguyên thủy - sơ khai - thô sơKorean: 원시적인 - 초기의 - 미발달한Turkish: ilkel - ilksel - basitUrdu: قدیم - ابتدائی - پُراناIndonesian: primitif - sederhana - kuno
Example Sentences
This method of making fire is quite primitive.
basic
Their cabin was primitive, with no electricity or running water.
natural
Even though the technology is primitive, it still gets the job done.
natural
Early humans used primitive tools made of stone.
basic
The drawing on the wall looks very primitive.
basic
Some people see cave paintings as primitive art, but they're actually quite impressive.
natural