Which of the following options is the closest in meaning to the word given below? Primeval A. Modern B. Historic C. Primitive D. Antique

GATE 2013 · General Aptitude · Synonyms · medium

Answer: C. Primitive

1. Break down the root of 'Primeval': Latin 'primaevus': prima (first) + aevum (age). This means 'of the first age' — earliest, original, undeveloped.
2. Compare each option: Modern (recent) — opposite. Historic (famous/significant past event) — not same as 'first/earliest'. Antique (old object) — specific to objects, not eras. Primitive (early stage, original) — matches meaning.
3. Confirm with substitution: 'The primeval/primitive forest' — both work. 'The primeval/historic forest' — historic implies famous significance, not the same. Primitive is the correct synonym.