primer
/ˈpraɪ.mər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈpraɪ.mɚ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpri-mər chiefly British ˈprī-mə/ (ame, mw)
primer — noun
- primersingular
- primersplural
1. A special layer of paint applied to wood, walls, or metal before the finishing p
A special layer of paint applied to wood, walls, or metal before the finishing paint, so that the top coat sticks better and the surface looks smooth.
Manuela applied a coat of primer to the living-room wall before painting it blue.
collocation: coat of primer / apply + primer
Without primer, the paint on the old wooden fence began to peel within a month.
Before painting the kitchen cabinets white, Camille applied primer to seal the bare wood.
Salma read the instructions on the primer can carefully before starting the job.
常見錯誤
2. A cream or liquid put on the face before foundation and other cosmetics, helping
A cream or liquid put on the face before foundation and other cosmetics, helping the make-up to go on smoothly and stay in place for longer.
Sayaka always uses a green-tinted primer before applying foundation to reduce redness.
pattern: use + primer before [make-up step]
For her cousin's wedding, Paloma smoothed a layer of primer over her cheeks before applying foundation.
pattern: apply primer before [make-up step] for [event]
The beauty vlogger recommended a hydrating primer for people with dry skin.
Stephanie bought a new primer that promises to blur pores and fine lines.
- base
A shorter, more general term for a layer of make-up applied first; 'primer' specifically refers to modern formulas that smooth the skin.
- pre-foundation
Descriptive but less common in everyday speech; 'primer' is the standard retail name.
常見錯誤
3. A short book that explains the essential ideas of a topic for readers who have n
A short book that explains the essential ideas of a topic for readers who have no prior knowledge of it.
The professor recommended a French grammar primer for students in their first semester.
pattern: [subject] + primer for [audience]
Mathieu bought a programming primer to learn the basics of Python before the course started.
This gardening primer explains how to plant seeds and care for young seedlings.
Kofi found a photography primer at the library to learn about aperture and shutter speed.
- introduction
Often used in book titles ('An Introduction to Physics'); 'primer' emphasises a very basic, beginner-friendly approach.
- beginner's guide
More explanatory in tone; 'primer' can be more concise and factual.
- handbook
Often more practical and reference-oriented; a primer is more about teaching concepts step by step.
用法筆記
A primer covers only the very basics; it is shorter and simpler than a full textbook on the same subject.
常見錯誤
4. A talk, event, or first experience that teaches someone the basic facts or skill
A talk, event, or first experience that teaches someone the basic facts or skills needed to understand a new subject or situation.
The weekend workshop served as a primer on digital marketing for small business owners.
pattern: serve as a primer on [topic]
Ilan's first trip to Cambodia was a primer in cultural sensitivity and respectful travel.
The training session was a useful primer for the team's new software.
Tendai saw the internship as a primer in corporate communication and office etiquette.
- introduction
Similar meaning ('an introduction to Japanese culture'), but 'primer' carries a stronger sense of being the very first step.
- grounding
Emphasises building a solid foundation; 'primer' is more about basic, practical facts.
用法筆記
Often used in the patterns 'a primer on [topic]' or 'a primer in [skill/area]', emphasising that the experience introduces the very first stages of learning.