How Do You Spell PRIMITIVE?

Pronunciation: [pɹˈɪmɪtˌɪv] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "primitive" is phonetically represented as /ˈprɪmɪtɪv/. The first syllable "pri" is pronounced as "prim" with a short "i" sound. The second syllable "mi" is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a soft "t". The final syllable "tive" is pronounced as "tiv" with a long "i" sound. Overall, the word "primitive" is spelled according to the English phonetic system, which aims to represent the sounds of spoken English using letters and symbols.

PRIMITIVE Meaning and Definition

  1. Primitive:

    Adjective:

    1. Simple or basic in form; lacking sophistication, complexity, or refinement.

    2. Of or relating to an early stage of development or evolution; existing or occurring in the earliest stage of a civilization or society.

    3. Characterized by a lack of modern conveniences or amenities; rudimentary; basic.

    4. Basic, fundamental, or elementary; fundamental to the nature or essence of something.

    5. Of or relating to a remote or indigenous culture, typically characterized by traditional practices, beliefs, or customs.

    6. Rough, crude, or unsophisticated in style or design; displaying a lack of sophistication or modernity.

    7. Existing or occurring in a primal or primeval state; original; primeval.

    8. Relating to or denoting a person who lacks cultural, social, or technological development; unrefined; uncivilized.

    Noun:

    1. A primitive person; someone who is considered to lack cultural, societal, or technological advancements.

    2. An early or ancestral form, characteristic, or species of anything.

    Etymology:

    The term "primitive" dates back to the late 14th century, derived from the Old French word primitif, which means "first, original" or "primary." It is rooted in the Latin word primitivus, meaning "first, earliest, original." Over time, "primitive" expanded its meaning to encompass basic or unsophisticated aspects, particularly in relation to culture, technology, or societal advancements. It implies an association with the earliest stages of development or evolution, often characterized by simplicity, rudimentariness, or a lack of refinement. In modern usage, the term may carry derogatory connotations due to its association with cultural

  2. Primary, early in the course of development, rudimentary.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • Of or belonging to remote or early times; ancient; pristine; old-fashioned; denoting that from which others are derived or formed.
    • An original word; a word not derived from another.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for PRIMITIVE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for PRIMITIVE

Etymology of PRIMITIVE

The word "primitive" has its origin in the Latin term "primitivus", which means "first" or "earliest". It is derived from the Latin word "primus", meaning "first". The term was later adopted into French as "primitif" and then entered the English language in the late 16th century. Initially, the term referred to something existing at an early stage of development or relatively unevolved. Over time, its meaning expanded to include concepts such as simplicity, basicness, or being unsophisticated.

Similar spelling words for PRIMITIVE

Plural form of PRIMITIVE is PRIMITIVES

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