Meaning & use

primal

adjective·Advanced

Relating to a most basic, primitive, or instinctive state, especially from an early stage of existence.

See it in a sentence

The scream expressed a primal fear that no words could describe.

Cooking over an open fire connects people to a primal way of life.

A note on using this word

Primal often pairs with words like 'instinct,' 'fear,' or 'urge' to describe deep, unlearned impulses.

Words with a similar meaning

primitiveinstinctive

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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