elementary

adjective

el·​e·​men·​ta·​ry ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

1

a

: of, relating to, or dealing with the simplest elements or principles of something

b

: of or relating to an elementary school

2

: elemental sense 1a

3

: elemental sense 2

elementarily

ˌe-lə-ˌmen-ˈter-ə-lē 

-ˈmen-trə-lē

adverb

elementariness

ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē-nəs 

-ˈmen-trē-

noun

Synonyms

• abecedarian
• basal
• basic
• beginning
• elemental
• essential
• fundamental
• introductory
• meat-and-potatoes
• rudimental
• rudimentary
• underlying

Examples of elementary in a Sentence

He is lacking even the most elementary notions of fairness.

The researchers made an elementary error.

He has an elementary understanding of calculus.

Recent Examples on the Web

This event took place at Global Education Academy, predominantly serving Latino students, where 400 elementary and middle school students were given toys, meals, and artist merchandise. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 21 Dec. 2024

The International Baccalaureate curriculum at Jones encourages the elementary students there to use a global perspective in education through respect, inquiry, growth and service, according to the district. —Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 18 Dec. 2024

The students were elementary and middle school pupils, according to local station WYFF. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024

She's worked in the district since 1999 as an elementary and high school principal and as an assistant superintendent, and has more than 35 years of experience in education. —Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing elementary

• elementary charge
• elementary particle
• elementary school

Kids Definition

elementary

adjective

el·​e·​men·​ta·​ry ˌel-ə-ˈment-ə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

1

: of or relating to the simplest principles of a subject

2

: of, relating to, or teaching the basic subjects of education