Meaning & use

prime

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

Of the best or highest quality; most important or significant.

See it in a sentence

This beachfront property is prime real estate.

The detective considered him the prime suspect in the case.

A note on using this word

Also used as a math term (a prime number, divisible only by 1 and itself) and as a verb meaning to prepare something in advance.

Words with a similar meaning

chieftop

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

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

To prepare someone or something in advance for a particular purpose.

The coach primed the team for the tournament with extra practice sessions.

3. noun

A whole number greater than 1 that has no divisors other than 1 and itself.

Seven is a prime number because it can only be divided evenly by 1 and 7.

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