primitive

primitive — adjective

1. describing the earliest human societies, which had no machines, no written langu

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing the earliest human societies, which had no machines, no written language, and very simple forms of community living

例句

Adaeze studied the cave paintings left behind by a primitive fishing community.

collocation: primitive community / primitive society

Cyrus found it hard to imagine how primitive people crossed the ocean without metal ships.

同義詞
  • ancient

    focuses on great age rather than simplicity or lack of development

  • prehistoric

    specifically refers to the period before written records

  • early

    neutral in tone; does not carry connotations of simplicity or roughness

反義詞
  • advanced

    describes a society with complex technology and institutions

用法筆記

Avoid applying this term to describe modern communities or living people, as it can carry outdated or offensive overtones. It is best limited to archaeological or historical contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The village in the mountains still uses primitive methods.
✅The village in the mountains still uses traditional methods.
💡Calling a modern community 'primitive' is considered disrespectful; use 'traditional' or 'simple' instead.
❌My grandparents had a primitive phone.
✅My grandparents had an old-fashioned phone.
💡'Primitive' implies a very early stage of technology, not just old or outdated.

2. very simple and uncomfortable, especially because modern facilities are absent —

2.形容詞C1
釋義

very simple and uncomfortable, especially because modern facilities are absent — used about living conditions, equipment, or buildings

例句

Meera spent two weeks in a primitive hut with no electricity or running water.

collocation: primitive hut / primitive cabin

The camp's primitive toilet block made everyone eager to return to the hotel.

同義詞
  • basic

    neutral tone; can be positive (basic but clean) or negative

  • crude

    emphasises poor quality or lack of refinement in making something

  • rough

    suggests uncomfortable or unfinished conditions

反義詞
  • luxurious

    implies comfort, expensive materials, and modern amenities

用法筆記

Used especially for accommodation, camps, shelters, kitchens, and bathrooms. The sense is negative — it implies discomfort, not just simplicity.

常見錯誤

❌The minimalist flat looked primitive.
✅The minimalist flat looked simple but stylish.
💡'Primitive' suggests discomfort, not just a simple design style.
❌The hotel room was very primitive but clean.
✅The hotel room was basic but clean.
💡'Basic' is neutral; 'primitive' carries a negative judgment about comfort.

3. describing a strong natural feeling or reaction that appears without thinking or

3.形容詞C2
釋義

describing a strong natural feeling or reaction that appears without thinking or learning — such as fear, anger, or the urge to protect someone

例句

Quinn felt a primitive urge to run when the bear appeared on the trail.

collocation: primitive urge / primitive instinct

A mother's primitive need to protect her young can overcome any fear.

同義詞
  • primal

    stronger emphasis on the original, raw nature of the feeling

  • instinctive

    focuses on the unlearned, automatic quality of the behaviour

  • innate

    suggests something you are born with, not necessarily tied to survival

反義詞
  • learned

    describes behaviour acquired through experience or teaching

用法筆記

Typically placed before a noun. This sense applies to emotions and behaviours shared across humanity, not to learned habits or personal preferences.

常見錯誤

❌He felt a primitive love for his hometown.
✅He felt a deep attachment to his hometown.
💡'Primitive' is for survival instincts like fear or hunger, not sentimental feelings.
❌Punching the wall was a primitive reaction to stress.
✅Punching the wall was an aggressive reaction to stress.
💡'Primitive' implies an innate biological response, not a learned bad habit.

primitive — noun