adjective / noun
primitive
PRIM-uh-tiv/ˈprɪmətɪv/
Showing an early or minimally developed form.
A primitive clay pot sits beside a simple stone tool.
Etymology
From “at first,” primitive came to describe what belongs to an earliest age. Its meaning “simple or basic” reflects the supposed simplicity of those early times.
In context
though these tools look quite primitive they were razor sharp and certainly deadly sapiens and neanderthals alike would use these points for hundreds of thousands of years
More examples
- The cabin has only primitive plumbing.
- The critic describes the self-taught painter as a primitive.
- The gallery displays several primitives painted on wooden panels.
Forms
primitive · primitives · more primitive · most primitive
primitively adverb — In a simple or undeveloped manner.
Similar words
- rudimentary
- Emphasizes basic elements or incomplete development rather than historical age.
- undeveloped
- Emphasizes lack of growth or refinement, not necessarily early origins.
- crude
- Emphasizes rough workmanship or execution rather than an early stage.