relating to, denoting, or preserving the character of an early stage in the evolutionary or historical development of something

primitive mammals

Primitive Germanic

very basic or unsophisticated in terms of comfort, convenience, or efficiency

the accommodation at the camp was a bit primitive

not developed or derived from anything else

primitive material of the universe

(of a part or structure) in the first or early stage of formation or growth; rudimentary

a person belonging to a preliterate, non-industrial society

reports of travellers and missionaries described contemporary primitives

a pre-Renaissance painter, or one who imitates the pre-Renaissance style

a word, base, or root from which another is historically derived