Primeval Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpraɪmiːvəl/

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Originally existing from the earliest known period of the Earth’s history; primitive, ancient, or primordial.

Examples

The primeval forests were untouched for centuries.
The ancient civilization was said to have been primeval.

Synonyms

Primitive
Antediluvian
Primitive

Antonyms

Evolved
Advanced

Additional Information

Primeval refers to something that is existing from the earliest known period of the Earth’s history or something that is characterized by simplicity and naivety. It is often used to describe natural phenomena, such as landscapes, that have remained untouched by human civilization. Primeval forest, for example, refers to an area of forest that has been unaffected by human intervention.

Primeval is also used to describe ancient civilizations or cultures that are believed to be the earliest examples of human society.

Etymology

The word ‘primeval’ comes from the Latin ‘primus,’ meaning ‘first,’ and ‘valere,’ meaning ‘to be powerful or strong.’ It was first used in the 15th century to describe something that is ancient or primitive.

Usage Notes

Primeval is often used to describe natural environments or ancient cultures, and is typically used in formal or academic writing.

Cultural References

The term ‘primeval’ has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, J.R.R. Tolkien used the term in his book ‘The Silmarillion’ to describe the ancient lands of Valinor.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

There are no common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word ‘primeval.’

Related Words or Phrases

Related words or phrases include ‘ancient,’ ‘primitive,’ ‘antiquated,’ and ‘primordial.’

Collocations

Common collocations with ‘primeval’ include ‘forests,’ ‘lands,’ and ‘civilizations.’

Frequency of Use

According to the Oxford English Corpus, the frequency of use for the word ‘primeval’ is relatively low, but it is increasing in use in modern language.