Primal/ˈpraɪml/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Essential Qualities Use 'primal' to describe something that's a basic, necessary part of something else. Trust is the primal component of a successful team. Pro Tip 2/3Core Importance When something is very important and central to a concept, 'primal' is a fitting adjective. The primal purpose of the law is to maintain order. Pro Tip 3/3Inherent Nature Describe characteristics believed to be inherent in humans or systems as 'primal'. Humans have a primal need for social interaction.