1. Descriptive of that which is simple, unsophisticated, or basic; and does not show much skill: The primitive tools that were used in the early years of humans were very easy to use and were not complicated.
2. Relating to a preliterate, nonindustrial society or culture: Primitive people often lived in what is characterized as unorganized social and economic conditions.
3. Pertaining to some things that are made or done in a way that is not modern and which does not show much skill: The technology that was used to build the Wilson's house on the island was primitive and outdated.
4. A reference to a part of a person which is wild or like an animal and not based on reason: Some people are convinced that the killing of the "surplus" giraffe at the Copenhagen Zoo is a primitive action and death threats have been made to kill such "primitive behavior" by the zoo keepers.