English–French

“primitive” in French

French

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁimitif/

Example

Cet outil est très primitif.

This tool is very primitive.

Illustration for primitif (primitive)

How to say “primitive” in French

“Primitive” in French is primitif.

An early-looking artifact with a plain structure and few signs of technical or decorative development.

Full entry for primitif: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with primitif

Dans le danger, il a suivi son instinct primitif.

In danger, he followed his primitive instinct.

Tips for using primitif

  • Applied to a person, people, or culture, primitif can sound dismissive, so its use is safer with objects, techniques, or stages of development.

“primitive” in other languages