Home Dictionary Pprimitive

Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.

primitive

When used to describe people or cultures, the word "primitive" can be seen as offensive or insensitive because it suggests they are 'backward' or less developed than modern societies. In technical contexts, such as computer science or mathematics, it refers to the most basic building blocks that cannot be broken down further.

💬Trò chuyện

🎬Tuesday afternoon; Chloe is at the university library, David is in his office.

David Smith

Found this old flip phone in the attic. Pretty primitive tech, right?

Chloe Smith

Stop trying too hard. Just toss it before you embarrass yourself.

💡

David is attempting to bond with his daughter by using 'primitive' to describe outdated technology, while Chloe uses the phrasal verb 'trying too hard' and 'toss it' (throw away) to shut down his attempt at being a 'cool dad'.

Ý nghĩa

adjective

Relating to an early stage in the evolutionary or historical development of something.

"The museum displayed primitive stone tools used by early humans."

adjective

Very basic, unsophisticated, or lacking in complexity and refinement.

"The hikers slept in a primitive shelter made of branches and mud."

noun

A person belonging to a pre-industrial society; or an early painting or sculpture by a great artist.

"The gallery specializes in Italian primitives from the 14th century."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026•Report an Error