prime
/pɹaɪ̯m/
The word carries a strong sense of "optimality" and "readiness." Whether describing quality, importance, or a stage of life, it suggests a peak state where nothing is lacking and everything is at its most potent. In a professional or strategic context, it denotes the highest priority. It differs from "main" by adding a layer of prestige or superiority; a "prime objective" isn't just the first on a list, but the most critical one. When used as a verb, the feeling shifts to anticipation and preparation. It is the act of setting a stage or creating a foundation so that the final action can be successful. This is evident both in psychological preparation (priming someone) and physical preparation (priming a surface). In mathematics, the term takes on a more clinical, structural meaning, referring to the indivisible building blocks of numbers, though it still retains the sense of being "first" or "original."
Countable when referring to a mathematical entity (a prime). Uncountable when referring to the period of peak vitality (one's prime).
💬Casual Conversation
Did you actually prime the walls or just wing it?
I thought the white paint was enough. Bet it'll look fine.
Meanings
Of first importance; main or principal.
"The prime objective of the mission is to ensure the safety of the crew."
A natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself.
"Seven is a prime number because it cannot be divided evenly by any other number except one and seven."
The state or time of greatest strength, vigor, or success in a person's life.
"The athlete was in the prime of her career when she broke the world record."
Collocations & Compounds
prime suspect
The person most likely to have committed a crime.
prime number
A natural number greater than 1 that is divisible only by 1 and itself.
prime rib
A high-quality cut of beef from the rib section.
in one's prime
At the peak of one's power, beauty, or success.
prime directive
The most important rule or principal objective.
Idioms & Sayings
in one's prime
At the period of greatest strength, vigor, or success in a person's life.
prime suspect
The person most likely to have committed a crime; the principal suspect.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French 'prim', originating from the Latin 'primus', meaning 'first'. In mathematics, it evolved to describe numbers that cannot be factored (prime), and in painting/preparation, it refers to applying a first layer.