Primness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈprim/

Meaning & Definition of Primness

Primness (adjective)

  1. stiffly formal and proper, decorous
  2. prudish
  3. neat, trim

Primness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in priggishness, old-maidishness

    similar: old-maidishness, priggery, priggishness, Comstockery, morality, virtue, moralism, nice-nellyism, prudery, prudishness, puritanism
    opposite: lechery, prurience, pruriency, libertinage, libertinism, libertarianism

Related Entry: Prim (adjective)

Prim is a different word from Primness. The synonyms below are for prim, not for primness.

  1. being clean and in good order

    "behind the bed-and-breakfast is a prim little garden where guests are served afternoon tea"

    similar: antiseptic, bandbox, crisp, groomed, kempt, neat, orderly, picked up, shipshape, smug, snug, tidied, tidy, trig, trim, uncluttered, well-groomed
    related: dapper, natty, saucy, smart, spiffy, spruce, immaculate, spick-and-span, spotless, rakish, sleek, streamlined, taut, organized, straight, systematic
    opposite: disheveled, disordered, disorderly, messy, mussed, mussy, sloven, slovenly, unkempt, untidy
    near: scruffy, seedy, shabby, slipshod, sloppy, dirty, filthy, foul, nasty, sordid, squalid, dowdy, frowsy, rumpled, tousled, tumbled, disorganized, unsystematic

  2. given to or marked by very conservative standards regarding personal behavior or morals

    "a very prim and proper matron was in charge of the girls' dorm"

    similar: bluenosed, nice-nelly, prudish, puritanical, straitlaced, Victorian
    related: priggish, staid, stuffy, genteel, proper, refined, decent, honest, moral, right, righteous, upright, virtuous
    near: liberated, permissive, bad, immoral, improper, indecent, lax, lecherous, lickerish, loose, prurient, wicked, skanky (slang), slatternly, sleazy, sluttish, slutty, trampy, debauched, degenerate, degraded, depraved, perverted

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Primness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Primness:

old-maidishness, priggery, priggishness, Comstockery, morality, virtue, moralism, nice-nellyism, prudery, prudishness, puritanism

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Primness

Words with the opposite meaning of Primness:

lechery, prurience, pruriency, libertinage, libertinism, libertarianism

Word Forms of Primness

Inflections: primmer, primmest

Derived words: primly (adverb), primness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Primness

derivative of or akin to prim:2

First known use: 1702

Frequently Asked Questions about Primness

What does "Primness" mean?

"Primness" means stiffly formal and proper, decorous. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: stiffly formal and proper, decorous.

What is another word for "Primness"?

Other words for "Primness" include old-maidishness, priggery, priggishness, Comstockery, morality, virtue, moralism and nice-nellyism. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Primness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Primness"?

There are 11 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Primness". Common alternatives include old-maidishness, priggery, priggishness, Comstockery, morality, virtue, moralism, nice-nellyism, prudery and prudishness.

What is the opposite of "Primness"?

Antonyms of "Primness" include lechery, prurience, pruriency, libertinage, libertinism and libertarianism.

Is "Primness" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Primness" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Primness"?

"Primness" is pronounced /ˈprim/.

What is the origin of the word "Primness"?

"Primness" comes from derivative of or akin to prim:2. First known use: 1702.

What is another word for "Primness" meaning "as in priggishness, old-maidishness"?

When "Primness" (noun) means as in priggishness, old-maidishness, synonyms include old-maidishness, priggery, priggishness, Comstockery, morality and virtue. Opposites in this sense include lechery, prurience, pruriency and libertinage.