The word primitive conjures up images of the earliest stages of human existence. However, there are several synonyms that can be used interchangeably to describe this concept. Words like ancient, archaic, prehistoric, and primordial all evoke a sense of primitivity. Other synonyms include basic, fundamental, and elemental. Archaeological terms such as Neolithic and Paleolithic can also be used to describe this concept. Words like rustic, crude, and raw also convey the idea of primitiveness. Regardless of which synonym is used, they all emphasize a sense of simplicity, roughness, or a lack of complexity, a characteristic that is often associated with primitive cultures and societies.