prim Hear it!

prim¹ Definition

prim (prim)

adjective prim′·mer, prim′·mest

stiffly formal, precise, moral, etc.; proper; demure

Etymology: < ? MFr prim, prime, first (also sharp, thin, slender; hence, neat) < L primus, first: see prime

transitive verb, intransitive verb primmed, prim′·ming

to assume a prim expression on (one's face or mouth)

prim¹ Related Forms

prim′ly adverb prim′·ness noun

prim² Definition

prim

  1. primary
  2. primitive

prim Synonyms

prim

modif.

stiff, formal, precise, demure, decorous, nice, orderly, tidy, cleanly, trim, spruce, pat; see also polite 1.

prim Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • lady: Next to Lawyer Potter's, Mrs. Mather, a very precise and prim old lady, carried on business as a hatter.
  • man: The short, prim man, in the huge yellow ruff, is Richard Hawkins, the admiral's hereafter famous son.

Modifying Another Word

  • very: Very prim, very proper, some say austere.
  • rather: Apart from that she's rather prim where it comes to sex.
  • so: Benn always looked immaculate, well dressed, so prim and proper.