el primitivo
primitive
Que es muy antiguo o de una etapa muy temprana, y suele ser simple y poco desarrollado.
Definition & meaning
Primitivo means primitive, early, or original, depending on context. It can describe:
- Something belonging to the earliest period of a civilization, species, or development.
- Something simple or undeveloped compared with later forms.
- A person or behavior considered unsophisticated or crude; this use can be judgmental.
- In art, an early style or artist, or a work deliberately characterized by simplicity.
Grammar & Word origin
Primitivo is an adjective. It agrees with the noun it describes: primitivo, primitiva, primitivos, primitivas. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a person or artist considered primitive.
It comes from Latin primitivus, meaning “first” or “original.”
Synonyms & antonyms
- arcaico — archaic or very old; it emphasizes belonging to an earlier period.
- rudimentario — rudimentary; it emphasizes simplicity or limited development.
- originario — original or originating; it emphasizes a source rather than lack of sophistication.
- avanzado — advanced; an antonym when primitivo means undeveloped.
- sofisticado — sophisticated; an antonym when primitivo suggests simplicity or crudity.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Ese país preserva muchas técnicas primitivas de construcción.adjective
That country preserves many primitive construction techniques.
Ese pueblo tiene costumbres primitivas.adjective
That village has primitive customs.
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