primeval

American  

[prahy-mee-vuhl] / praɪˈmi vəl /

Or primaeval

adjective

1. of or relating to the first age or ages, especially of the world.

   primeval forms of life.

   Synonyms:

   pristine, primordial, primary

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primeval British  

/ praɪˈmiːvəl /

adjective

1. of or belonging to the first age or ages, esp of the world

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Related Words

See prime.

Other Word Forms

• primevally adverb

Etymology

Origin of primeval

First recorded in 1765–75; from Latin prīmaev(us) “young” ( prīm(us) prime + aev(um) age + -us adjective suffix) + -al ¹

Explanation

Use primeval when you want to suggest something has existed from the beginning. The Big Bang? Dinosaur bones? Ancient trees? Yep — primeval. The adjective primeval is from the Latin root words primus, meaning "first," and aevum, meaning "age." You might have an irrational, primeval fear of monsters — meaning that your monster fear has been there for as long as you can remember.

Example Sentences

With a single, in-block cam, one timing chain and two valves per cylinder, Godzilla is so primitive it’s practically primeval.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Both are made of the same primeval matter, and both are the same age and size.

From New York Times • May 27, 2024

For example, how much primeval forest has been cleared for an agricultural product or how the land was previously used.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2024

“It’s a very primeval instinct. When you hear the hounds — they call it the music — when you hear the hounds’ music, it’s bloodcurdling it’s so thrilling.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2022

I watched the two until we were out of sight, taking off—both still intent on their drama, as oblivious to the planes as if they were alone in the forest primeval.

From This Side of Wild by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

• prehistoric
• primal
• primitive
• primordial
• pristine