primitive

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Belonging to an early stage of human development, before modern technology.

   The museum displays tools used by primitive societies.

2. 2
   adj

   Simple, basic, or old-fashioned, often lacking comfort or quality.

   The cabin had only primitive cooking facilities.

3. 3
   adj

   Relating to the very beginning or earliest times.

   Scientists study the primitive forms of life on Earth.

From Middle English primitif, from Old French primitif, from Latin prīmitīvus (“first or earliest of its kind”), from prīmus (“first”); see prime. Doublet of primitivo.

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