primitive

Definitions

prim (first) + -itive (adj.) = 'belonging to the first stage.' Primitive describes what existed at the very beginning — primitive society, primitive tools. From 'earliest' it gained a second, often unfair sense: simple or crude, as if the earliest things were always rough.

Why It Means This

Primitive carries two shades that students often blur. The neutral, technical sense just means 'earliest, original' (a primitive life form, the primitive Church). The judgmental sense means 'crude, undeveloped' (primitive plumbing). Context decides: in science and history it is usually neutral; in everyday complaints ('the hotel was primitive') it is dismissive.

Common Collocations

• 1.primitive society原始社会
• 2.primitive tools原始工具
• 3.primitive instinct原始本能
• 4.primitive conditions简陋的条件

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Archaeologists found primitive stone tools at the site.

• 2.

  The cabin was primitive, with no electricity or running water.

• 3.

  These instincts are part of our primitive brain.