Definition:Formal Language/Alphabet/Primitive Symbol

Definition

Let $\AA$ be the alphabet of a formal language $\LL$.

The symbols which comprise $\AA$ are called the primitive symbols of $\AA$.

It is usual, during the development of a formal system, to introduce further symbols in order to abbreviate what would otherwise be unwieldy constructions.

Hence the distinction between these newly-introduced symbols and the primitive symbols.

Also known as

Some sources do not bother with the word primitive and instead refer to the elements of $\AA$ just as symbols.

Also see

• Definition:Undefined Term
• Definition:Definitional Abbreviation

Sources

• 1965: E.J. Lemmon: Beginning Logic ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $2$: The Propositional Calculus $2$: $1$ Formation Rules