Primitive Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of PRIMITIVE

[more primitive; most primitive]

1

:

of, belonging to, or seeming to come from an early time in the very ancient past

• the time when primitive man first learned to use fire
• primitive animals/plants [=animals/plants that lived in ancient times or that have not changed much since ancient times]

2

sometimes offensive

:

not having a written language, advanced technology, etc.

• primitive societies/cultures

3

:

very simple and basic

:

made or done in a way that is not modern and that does not show much skill

• primitive [=_crude_] tools
• The technology they used was primitive and outdated.
• The camp had only a primitive outdoor toilet.

4

:

coming from the part of a person that is wild or like an animal

:

not based on reason

• primitive instincts/feelings/fears

— primitiveness

noun

[noncount]

Britannica Dictionary definition of PRIMITIVE

1

:

an artist who makes art in a simple style that is childlike

also

:

the art made by such an artist

• The museum is known for its collection of American primitives.

2

old-fashioned

:

someone who belongs to a primitive society

• a Stone Age primitive