The word "primeval" is pronounced /praɪˈmiːvəl/. The first syllable, "pri", is pronounced with the long /aɪ/ sound followed by a short /i/ sound. The second syllable, "mev", is pronounced with a long /iː/ sound and a short /v/ sound. The final syllable, "al", is pronounced with a short /əl/ sound. This word is commonly misspelled as "premieval", "primieval", or "premeval", but the correct spelling is "primeval", meaning belonging to the earliest ages; ancient.
Primeval is an adjective that refers to something existing or occurring in the earliest or original state of its existence. It describes a condition or state of being that is ancient, primitive, or prehistoric. The term typically evokes a sense of the early beginnings of humanity or the Earth itself.
In a geological context, primeval may be used to describe landscapes or formations that are considered to be in their original or unaltered state, untouched by human activity. For example, a primeval forest would refer to a forest that has been preserved in its natural condition since ancient times, before any significant human intervention or disturbance.
When used in a cultural or historical context, primeval may describe customs, traditions, or beliefs that are deeply rooted in the earliest stages of a society or civilization. It suggests a connection to the earliest human experiences or the primal instincts and desires that humans may have shared in their early existence.
Overall, primeval is a word that conveys a sense of the ancient, raw, and unspoiled nature of something, whether it be a landscape, a cultural practice, or a state of being. It emphasizes the idea of origin, an untouched state before the influences of modern civilization.
Being of the earliest age or time; first; original.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "primeval" is derived from the Latin term "prīmaevus", which is a combination of the words "prīmus" (meaning "first" or "foremost") and "aevum" (meaning "age" or "time"). It entered the English language in the early 17th century and refers to something that is ancient, primitive, or existing since the earliest times.