PRIM


Meaning of PRIM in English

/ prɪm; NAmE / adjective ( prim·mer , prim·mest ) ( disapproving )

1.

( of a person ) always behaving in a careful and formal way, and easily shocked by anything that is rude :

You can't tell her that joke—she's much too prim and proper .

2.

formal and neat

SYN demure :

a prim suit with a high-necked collar

►  prim·ly adverb :

'You're not supposed to say that,' she said primly.

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WORD ORIGIN

late 17th cent. (as a verb): probably ultimately from Old French prin , Provençal prim excellent, delicate, from Latin primus first.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.