Synonyms: aboriginal, primaeval, primal, primeval, primordial
Definition: having existed from the beginning; in an earliest or original stage or state
Usage: aboriginal forests; primal eras before the appearance of life on earth; the forest primeval; primordial matter; primordial forms of life
Similar words: early
Definition: at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
Usage: early morning; an early warning; early diagnosis; an early death; took early retirement; an early spring; early varieties of peas and tomatoes mature before most standard varieties
Synonyms: cardinal, central, key, primal, fundamental
Definition: serving as an essential component
Usage: a cardinal rule; the central cause of the problem; an example that was fundamental to the argument; computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure
Similar words: important, of import
Definition: of great significance or value
Usage: important people; the important questions of the day