French word

primitif

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁimitif/

Meaning

  • adjectiveprimitive

Example

Cet outil est très primitif.

This tool is very primitive.

Illustration for primitif (primitive)

More examples

Dans le danger, il a suivi son instinct primitif.

In danger, he followed his primitive instinct.

Core concept

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

Common phrases

  • instinct primitif

    primitive instinct

  • comportement primitif

    primitive behavior

Similar words

élémentaire: Concerned with basic principles or an introductory level.
rudimentaire: Providing only the minimum tools or mechanisms needed.
simple: Uncomplicated in structure or form and easy to understand or use.

Definition in French

Qui décrit quelque chose de rudimentaire, simple et peu développé, proche d'une forme ancienne.

Word origin

Primitif is an inherited French form from Latin primitivus, an adjective built on primus 'first', with Old French between the two forms.

Usage tips

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

Other meanings

  • underdevelopedadjective
  • simpleadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word