From Middle English primitif, from Old French primitif, from Latin prīmitīvus, from prīmus; see prime.

• IPA: /ˈpɹɪmɪtɪv/

primitive (plural primitives)

1. (linguistics) An original or primary word; a word not derived from another, as opposed to derivative.
2. A member of a primitive society.
3. A simple-minded person.
4. (programming) A data type that is built into the programming language, as opposed to more complex structures.
5. (programming) Any of the simplest elements (instructions, statements, etc.) available in a programming language.
6. A basic geometric shape from which more complex shapes can be constructed.
7. (mathematics) A function whose derivative is a given function; an antiderivative.

• word: primitive word, radical, radical word

• French: primitif
• German: Wortstamm & Stamm, Stammwort, Urwort, ursprüngliches Wort, Wurzelwort, Wortwurzel & Wurzel; Primitivum, Radicalwort, Radix
• Russian: примити́в
• Spanish: primitivo

• French: primitif, primitive
• Portuguese: primitivo
• Russian: первобытный человек

• Portuguese: primitivo

• French: primitive
• Portuguese: primitiva
• Russian: примити́в

primitive

1. Of or pertaining to the beginning or origin, or to early times; original; primordial; primeval; first.

   primitive innocence;   the primitive church

2. Of or pertaining to or harking back to a former time; old-fashioned; characterized by simplicity.

   Synonyms: backwards

   a primitive style of dress

   1. Relating to an art style characterized by asymmetrical shapes and faded colors.

      I used primitive hearts to decorate the quilt.

   • 1921, Ben Travers, chapter 4, in A Cuckoo in the Nest, Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, Page & Company, published 1925, →OCLC ↗:

     By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect.

3. Crude, obsolete.

   primitive ideas

4. (grammar) Original; primary; radical; not derived.

   Synonyms: radical

   Antonyms: derivative, derived

   a primitive verb

5. (biology) Occurring in or characteristic of an early stage of development or evolution.
6. (maths) Not derived from another of the same type

   Synonyms: imprimitive

7. (linguistics, dated) most recent common ancestor (often hypothetical) of

   Synonyms: proto-