The meaning of PRIMITIVE is not derived : original, primary. How to use primitive in a sentence.

/ ˈprɪm·ɪ·t̬ɪv / Add to word list of or typical of an early stage of development; not advanced or complicated in structure: primitive art / tools

PRIMITIVE meaning: 1 : of, belonging to, or seeming to come from an early time in the very ancient past; 2 : not having a written language, advanced technology, etc.

Of or relating to a nonindustrial, often tribal culture, especially one that is characterized by an absence of literacy and a low level of economic or technological complexity: primitive societies.

If you describe something as primitive, you mean that it is very simple in style or very old-fashioned. The conditions are primitive by any standards. The primitive surgery of those days left him virtually deaf in …

Factsheet What does the word primitive mean? There are 39 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word primitive, nine of which are labelled obsolete, and one of which is considered derogatory. See …

PRIMITIVE definition: being the first or earliest of the kind or in existence, especially in an early age of the world. See examples of primitive used in a sentence.

Dec 7, 2025 · Adjective primitive (comparative more primitive, superlative most primitive) Of or pertaining to the beginning or origin, or to early times; original; primordial; primeval; first.

primitive meaning, definition, what is primitive: belonging to a simple way of life that e...: Learn more.

Of or relating to an early or original stage or state; primeval. Life in the primitive ocean.