prime
/praim/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Being at the best stage of development: Of the highest quality or the most active, flourishing period.
- First in importance, rank, or degree: Chief, principal, or most significant.
- Of or relating to a prime number: In mathematics, a number divisible only by itself and 1.
- Original or fundamental: Being the first or earliest stage.
Noun:
- The period of greatest vigor, success, or beauty: The peak or most flourishing stage of life or existence.
- A prime number: In mathematics, a whole number greater than 1 that cannot be exactly divided by any whole number other than itself and 1.
- The first canonical hour: In Christian liturgy, a service traditionally held at the first hour of the day (about 6 a.m.).
Verb:
- To prepare something for operation or use: To make ready, especially by supplying with necessary material or information.
- To apply a primer or undercoat: To cover a surface with a preparatory coat of paint.
- To insert a primer into an explosive device: To prepare a gun, mine, or charge for firing.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- This is a prime example of excellent craftsmanship.
- The prime minister addressed the nation.
- Seven is a prime number.
Noun:
- She is in the prime of her career.
- The number 13 is a prime.
- The monks gathered for prime.
Verb:
- He primed the pump to get the water flowing.
- You should prime the wood before painting it.
- The soldier primed the grenade.
Advanced Usage
"prime the pump": To stimulate growth or activity by investing resources.
- The government's investment was meant to prime the pump of the economy.
"prime suspect": The person considered most likely to be guilty of a crime.
- After the investigation, he became the prime suspect.
"prime time": The time period when the largest television audience is available.
- The show airs during prime time.
Variants and Related Words
Primer (n): A substance used to prepare a surface for painting; an introductory textbook.
- Use a good primer on the bare metal.
- She read a primer on economics.
Primary (adj): Of chief importance; first in order or development.
- The primary reason for his success is hard work.
Primacy (n): The state of being first in importance.
- The primacy of safety is undisputed.
Synonyms
- Adjective: Best, chief, primary, top, first-rate, choice, select.
- Noun: Peak, zenith, height, bloom, culmination.
- Verb: Prepare, ready, equip, brief, coach.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Prime for: To prepare someone or something for a particular situation or task.
- The coach primed the team for the championship game.
Related Idioms
In one's prime: At the peak of one's abilities or physical condition.
- The athlete was unstoppable in his prime.
Past one's prime: No longer at the peak of one's abilities or physical condition.
- The boxer was a great champion but is now past his prime.
Adjective
- being at the best stage of development
- our manhood's prime vigor- Robert Browning
- of or relating to or being an integer that cannot be factored into other integers
- prime number
- of superior grade
- choice wines
- prime beef
- prize carnations
- quality paper
- select peaches
- used of the first or originating agent
- prime mover
- first in rank or degree
- an architect of premier rank
- the prime minister
Noun
- the time of maturity when power and vigor are greatest
- the second canonical hour; about 6 a.m.
- the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
- a number that has no factor but itself and 1
Verb
- fill with priming liquid
- prime a car engine
- cover with a primer; apply a primer to
- insert a primer into (a gun, mine, or charge) preparatory to detonation or firing
- prime a cannon
- prime a mine