n. Function: adjective
1
Synonyms: PRIMARY 5, original, prime, underivative, underived
2
Synonyms: EARLY 1, primordial
3 closely approximating an early ancestral type FF1C; the opossums are primitive mammals FF1E;
Synonyms: archaic, persistent, undeveloped, unevolved
Antonyms: advanced
4 of or relating to earlier ages of the world or of human history FF1C; archaeology is concerned especially with the study of primitive man FF1E;
Synonyms: primary, primeval, primevous, primitial
Antonyms: unprimitive
5
Synonyms: ELEMENTAL 1, basic, elementary, essential, fundamental, substratal, underlying
6 characterized by a lack of written language, simple technology, and a relatively simple social organization
Synonyms: nonliterate, preliterate
Related Words: barbarian, uncivilized, uncultivated
Contrasted Words: advanced, civilized, cultivated