Word
primeval
US/pɹaɪˈmivəɫ/
UK/pɹaɪmˈiːvəl/
Definition
adj. relating to the very beginning of time, especially the time before people existed. It describes things that feel very old and natural, like ancient forests or the first animals.
adj. relating to the earliest times of the world, especially before the existence of mankind. Often used to describe landscapes or creatures that have remained largely unchanged since the dawn of life.
Examples
“The forest felt primeval and full of ancient trees.”
“The documentary explored primeval forests that have survived for thousands of years without human interference.”
“The cave paintings depicted primeval beasts that once roamed the earth, offering a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual life of our earliest ancestors.”
Examples
simple
“The forest felt primeval and full of ancient trees.”
contextual
“The documentary explored primeval forests that have survived for thousands of years without human interference.”
complex
“The cave paintings depicted primeval beasts that once roamed the earth, offering a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual life of our earliest ancestors.”
Real-World Examples
“Asked what makes the tournament so popular, Mathews said he felt it was a primeval connection with rock and water, coupled with misty-eyed childhood memories.” Etymology
From Latin primaevus (“in the first or earliest period of life”) + -al, from primus (“first”) + aevum (“time, age”); see prime and age.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/primeval