primal

adjective

pri·​mal ˈprī-məl 

1

: original, primitive

… village life continued in its primal innocence.

—Van Wyck Brooks

2

: first in importance : primary

Synonyms of primal

• main
• greatest
• primary
• highest
• predominant
• dominant
• foremost
• big
• first
• central

Examples of primal in a Sentence

the primal theme of the essay is toleration of religious diversity

there was a period of primal idealism after the founding of the republic and before the rise of partisan politics

Recent Examples on the Web

None of this takes into account our more primal drives and desires, which often sit at odds with the predictability and frictionlessness of technology. — Amy Francombe, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

Later on, in the fourth quarter, after an errant pass was batted upward and, eventually, into the hands of an offensive lineman, Kelce, ever the ambassador for his undersung position, was full of primal delight. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026

Dance movies marvelously translate primal emotions into motion, the human body becoming a supple instrument deftly communicating the pain, ecstasy and confusion of being alive. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

These are primal thrills most viewers can get behind, and having to slow down to explain the morality behind them makes for languid viewing. — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from prime entry 1 + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing primal

• primal scream therapy

Rhymes for primal

• thymol
• ependymal
• mesenchymal
• lachrymal
• lacrimal

Kids Definition

primal

adjective

pri·​mal ˈprī-məl 

1

: of or relating to the first period or state : primitive

2

: first in importance : basic