What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
atavistic
Example
His aggressive reaction to the situation was atavistic, harkening back to our primal instincts. [atavistic: adjective]
Example
The artist's work had an atavistic quality, evoking ancient cave paintings. [atavistic: adjective]
primitive
Example
The tribe used primitive tools made from stones and sticks. [primitive: adjective]
Example
In the early stages of human history, people lived in primitive dwellings like caves. [primitive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Primitive is more commonly used than atavistic in everyday language. Primitive is a versatile word that can be applied to various contexts, while atavistic is more specialized and often used in scientific or academic discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between atavistic and primitive?
While atavistic is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, primitive can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific meaning intended.
