prima
/ˈpriːmə/
adjective
Origin
Latin
primus — first, foremost
Overview
Meaning Now
- First or primary; often used in feminine form (from Latin) in titles, roles, or designations.
- Excellent, first-rate, or of superior quality.
Literal older meaning
feminine of primus ('first')
Language path
Latin → Italian → English
Earliest form
prima
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term enters English primarily as a loanword from Italian artistic spheres, specifically describing the 'prima donna' (first lady) of an opera company, a title that came to represent the lead female performer.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
prima
“first (feminine singular)”
- Old Italian
prima
“first”
- Early Modern English
prima
“first in rank or quality, especially in opera”
Adopted through Italian cultural influence
Connections
Word parts
prim-
root
first
-a
suffix
feminine singular inflection
Related across languages
Spanish
primera
first
French
première
first
Explore next
Related to prima
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.