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Added 6 October 2026

primitive

/ˈpɹɪmɪtɪv/ noun

In Latin: primitivum, radix Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about primitive at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

An original or primary word; a word not derived from another, as opposed to derivative.
A member of a primitive society.
Primitive or primeval nature; the innate, instinctive element within a person; the deep, instinctive, precultural layer of human nature.

adjective

Of or pertaining to the beginning or origin, or to early times; original; primordial; primeval; first.
primitive innocence; the primitive church
Of or pertaining to or harking back to a former time; old-fashioned; characterized by simplicity.
a primitive style of dress
Relating to an art style characterized by asymmetrical shapes and faded colors.
I used primitive hearts to decorate the quilt.

Origin

From Middle English primitif, from Old French primitif, from Latin prīmitīvus (“first or earliest of its kind”), from prīmus (“first”); see prime. Doublet of primitivo.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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