primitive
/ˈprɪmətɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈprɪmətɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpri-mə-tiv/ (ame, mw)
primitive — adjective
- primitivepositive
- more primitivecomparative
- most primitivesuperlative
1. describing the earliest human societies, which had no machines, no written langu
describing the earliest human societies, which had no machines, no written language, and very simple forms of community living
Adaeze studied the cave paintings left behind by a primitive fishing community.
collocation: primitive community / primitive society
Cyrus found it hard to imagine how primitive people crossed the ocean without metal ships.
The archaeologists uncovered a primitive water system built by the island's first settlers.
Lara explained that primitive farmers used sharpened stones instead of iron ploughs.
- ancient
focuses on great age rather than simplicity or lack of development
- prehistoric
specifically refers to the period before written records
- early
neutral in tone; does not carry connotations of simplicity or roughness
- advanced
describes a society with complex technology and institutions
用法筆記
Avoid applying this term to describe modern communities or living people, as it can carry outdated or offensive overtones. It is best limited to archaeological or historical contexts.
常見錯誤
2. very simple and uncomfortable, especially because modern facilities are absent —
very simple and uncomfortable, especially because modern facilities are absent — used about living conditions, equipment, or buildings
Meera spent two weeks in a primitive hut with no electricity or running water.
collocation: primitive hut / primitive cabin
The camp's primitive toilet block made everyone eager to return to the hotel.
Folake cooked every meal over an open fire in a primitive stone kitchen.
The mountain shelter offered only primitive bedding, but the tired climbers did not care.
- luxurious
implies comfort, expensive materials, and modern amenities
用法筆記
Used especially for accommodation, camps, shelters, kitchens, and bathrooms. The sense is negative — it implies discomfort, not just simplicity.
常見錯誤
3. describing a strong natural feeling or reaction that appears without thinking or
describing a strong natural feeling or reaction that appears without thinking or learning — such as fear, anger, or the urge to protect someone
Quinn felt a primitive urge to run when the bear appeared on the trail.
collocation: primitive urge / primitive instinct
A mother's primitive need to protect her young can overcome any fear.
Researchers believe the fear of snakes is a primitive survival mechanism.
Chiara argued that human laughter began as a primitive signal of safety within a group.
- primal
stronger emphasis on the original, raw nature of the feeling
- instinctive
focuses on the unlearned, automatic quality of the behaviour
- innate
suggests something you are born with, not necessarily tied to survival
- learned
describes behaviour acquired through experience or teaching
用法筆記
Typically placed before a noun. This sense applies to emotions and behaviours shared across humanity, not to learned habits or personal preferences.
常見錯誤
primitive — noun
1. a basic word that forms the starting point for building other words by adding pr
a basic word that forms the starting point for building other words by adding prefixes, suffixes, or other changes
The Latin word 'actus' is the primitive from which both 'action' and 'active' derive.
pattern: X is the primitive from which Y derives
Linguists trace the Indo-European primitive 'bher-' in many modern words for carrying.
Once students learn the primitive, they can often guess the meaning of unfamiliar derived words.
In Eitan's linguistics class, the professor traced the word 'brother' back to its Indo-European primitive.
用法筆記
A technical term in historical and comparative linguistics. It is less common in everyday conversation than 'root' or 'base form'.