French word

primordial

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁimɔʁdjal/

Meaning

  • adjectiveessential

Example

Il est primordial de dormir suffisamment.

It is essential to get enough sleep.

Illustration for primordial (essential)

More examples

Le dialogue est primordial dans une équipe.

Dialogue is essential in a team.

Core concept

A foundation that must be in place for everything else to exist or succeed.

Common phrases

  • il est primordial de

    it is essential to ___

  • un rôle primordial

    a crucial role

Similar words

essentiel: Required and impossible to do without.
important: Significant enough that it cannot be overlooked.
vital: Absolutely necessary for life.
nécessaire: Needed for something to function or happen.

Definition in French

Qui est absolument nécessaire pour qu'une chose existe ou pour atteindre un résultat.

Word origin

French primordial comes through Latin primordialis, from primordium meaning a beginning or origin.

Usage tips

  • Primordial sounds formal in everyday French, where essentiel or important is often more natural.

Other meanings

  • paramountadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word