primitivism

American  

[prim-i-ti-viz-uhm] / ˈprɪm ɪ tɪˌvɪz əm /

noun

1. a recurrent theory or belief, as in philosophy or art, that the qualities of primitive or chronologically early cultures are superior to those of contemporary civilization.

2. the state of being primitive.

   the primitivism of the Stone Age peoples.

3. the qualities or style characterizing primitive art.

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primitivism British  

/ ˈprɪmɪtɪˌvɪzəm /

noun

1. the condition of being primitive

2. the notion that the value of primitive cultures is superior to that of the modern world

3. the principles, characteristics, etc, of primitive art and artists

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primitivism Cultural  

1. A style of art that attempts to imitate the art of primitive cultures or of children.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• primitivistic
  adjective
• primitivist
  noun
• unprimitivistic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of primitivism

First recorded in 1860–65; primitive + -ism

Example Sentences

It is hard to know whether to call this ethical primitivism a philosophic school, but Ms. Kuin is sure that we should.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

His 1963 book, "The Messianic Character of American Education," argued that the "government school" represented "primitivism" and "chaos."

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2021

But it does have rock stars whose greatest fame comes from their alleged and much flaunted primitivism.

From Slate • Aug. 27, 2019

Can looked back to psychedelia and forward to punk primitivism and the steadiness of dance music; it also picked up elements of world music while maintaining a certain Germanic rigor.

From New York Times • Sep. 15, 2017

Artists had been introducing cubism and primitivism into their work under the guise of folk art, which is supposed to serve as their main inspiration.

From Area Handbook for Romania by Bernier, Donald W.