nounadjectiveverb

la prime

bonus · early

Definition & meaning

Prime has several meanings:

Bonus or premium: an extra payment, such as a performance bonus, or the amount paid for insurance.
First-rate or prime: as an adjective, it can describe something of the highest quality or importance.
Early: in literary or formal usage, it can mean “first” or “early,” as in prime jeunesse.

Grammar & Word origin

Prime is usually a feminine noun: une prime. It can also be an adjective, generally placed before the noun.

The noun and adjective come from Latin primus, meaning “first.” The verb form prime can also be a conjugation of primer , meaning “to take precedence” or “to reward.”

Synonyms & antonyms

For a bonus, gratification is a reward or gratuity, often given in recognition of service.
For first-rate, principal means “main” or “principal,” emphasizing importance rather than quality.
An approximate antonym of the adjective is secondaire , meaning “secondary.”