primal Definition
- 1relating to an early stage in the evolutionary development of something
- 2essential; fundamental
- 3relating to or denoting the needs, fears, or behavior that are postulated to form the origins of emotional life
Using primal: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "primal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The primal instinct for survival kicked in.
Example
The primal fear of the dark is common among children.
Example
The primal urge to protect one's offspring is strong.
primal Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for primal
Antonyms for primal
Phrases with primal
primal scream
a loud, cathartic yell or shout expressing extreme emotion, especially pain or anger
Example
She let out a primal scream of frustration.
a form of psychotherapy that involves reliving and expressing repressed emotions, often through physical actions such as screaming or hitting pillows
Example
He underwent primal therapy to deal with his childhood trauma.
a diet based on the foods that humans ate during the Paleolithic era, typically consisting of meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit
Example
She follows a primal diet to improve her health.
Origins of primal
from Latin 'primus', meaning 'first'
Summary: primal in Brief
The term 'primal' [ˈpraɪməl] refers to early stages of development, fundamental aspects, or basic needs and behaviors. It can describe instincts like the primal urge to protect one's offspring or fears like the primal fear of the dark. 'Primal' extends into phrases like 'primal scream,' denoting a cathartic yell expressing extreme emotion, and 'primal diet,' referring to a diet based on the foods that humans ate during the Paleolithic era.
