How to Pronounce Primitive

To pronounce "primitive", say PRIM-it-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /ˈpɹɪmətɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

primitive

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈpɹɪmətɪv/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/pɹˈɪmɪtˌɪv/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “primitive”

"primitive" has 4 syllables: prim-it-iv-e.

What does primitive mean?

noun

An original or primary word; a word not derived from another, as opposed to derivative.
A member of a primitive society.

adjective

Of or pertaining to the beginning or origin, or to early times; original; primordial; primeval; first.
“primitive innocence; the primitive church”
Of or pertaining to or harking back to a former time; old-fashioned; characterized by simplicity.
“a primitive style of dress”

Synonyms

radical backwards imprimitive proto-

Antonyms

derivative derived

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "primitive"?▾

"Primitive" has 4 syllables: prim · it · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "primitive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "primitive" is /ˈpɹɪmətɪv/.

What does "primitive" mean?▾

Primitive: An original or primary word; a word not derived from another, as opposed to derivative.

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